Marie Cox and Gill Kelly checking out the many trees at Rossorry Church RMG10
CHARITIES, community groups, schools and churches in Fermanagh and further afield have been praised for making a unique Christmas Tree Festival at Rossorry Parish Church such a success.
The four day cross-community event over the weekend drew in thousands to view the 175 creations under the Festival theme ‘Joy to the World’. All were staged in the church, stables and parish hall and designed and decorated to represent the ethos and theme of charities, businesses and community groups throughout Fermanagh. Supported by the Killyhevlin Hotel, the festival opened on Thursday evening, and continued on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before finishing with a closing carol service on Sunday evening.
The Victorian theme was inspired by the opening of Rossorry Parish Church on its present site in 1841. The Festival coincided with Rossorry’s 175th anniversary year and marked the end of this year of celebration and fundraising for the church.
Its rector, Canon Dr Ian Ellis told the Herald that the event had “wonderfully exceeded all expectations” and would benefit almost 20 local charities.
“The response of the community in Fermanagh and beyond has been outstanding. We have not yet got a final total of amount of money raised however we can say that the visitors have also been exceptionally generous.
“At the end of our anniversary year we are planning to give a donation to each of our nominated charities and the parish building fund. We are so thankful to God for the blessing this Festival has brought to so many people – it has really radiated the joy that Christ the Light of the World brings,” he added.
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