Rochester Community House is hosting its popular Christmas tree display at the historic Shire Hall from December 1 to 19 for the third consecutive year.
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Rochester Community House is bringing back its popular Christmas tree display for the third consecutive year, transforming the historic Shire Hall into a festive wonderland from December 1 to 19.
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Rochester Community House youth and community development co-ordinator Jenna Harvey said the display was revived in 2023 following the devastating 2022 floods that severely impacted the Rochester community.
“The Christmas tree display used to run many years ago by a local church group and after the 2022 floods, in 2023 we thought Christmas needed a little bit of extra specialness,” Mrs Harvey said.
“We decided to bring back the Christmas tree display, using our beautiful Shire Hall.
“This will be the third year under our roof.”
The event was revived in 2023 after the devastating floods in 2022, bringing back a tradition that used to be run by a local church group.
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The event has grown significantly since its revival, with more than 20 trees already registered by early November.
“Last year saw over 30 Christmas trees from lots of different local businesses, groups and organisations on display,” Mrs Harvey said.
“This year we have already got more than 20 registered at the start of November, which means there may be over 40 Christmas trees this year.”
The display features creative contributions from diverse community groups, as well as local businesses that have embraced the creative challenge.
“We have Christmas trees from local church groups,” Mrs Harvey said.
“We have a tree from the Rochester Knitting and Crocheting Club that is always magnificent.
“The crocheting group started making their decorations in March, and we have had a sneak peek at the nativity set and it is absolutely gorgeous.”
“Rochester Tyres have been fantastic the last two years.
“They have made a snowman and a Christmas tree out of tyres, which has been very cool.”
More than 20 trees have already been registered for the display, with expectations of more than 40 trees this year from various local businesses, groups and organisations.
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The display runs from 9am to noon daily at Rochester Shire Hall, 43-45 Mackay St, Rochester, with group appointments, outside of these times, available by phoning Rochester Community House on 03 5484 3600.
Entry is free, though gold-coin donations are welcome to help ensure the tradition continues.
Visitors can vote for their favourite tree, with the top three winning prizes.
Visitors can enjoy the festive wonderland daily from 9am to noon, with group appointments available by contacting Rochester Community House.
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Entry is free, with donations welcomed to support the continuation of the tradition and visitors can vote for their favourite tree with prizes for the top three.
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