Once again, Gawthorpe needs a Christmas Tree! – the Council doesn't provide a tree for villages any more. Last year was a great community effort by individuals, businesses and community organisations coming together and we had a fantastic community event with Santa Comes to Gawthorpe organised by Terri Sykes coinciding with the Christmas tree lights switch on. This was also a wonderful community event which celebrated the festive season with Ukuleles playing, Brick House Youth group, A Star Dance performing and we look forward to welcoming them all back this year along with Yorks IMPS brass coming to play as well.

Gawthorpe Maypole Committee is supporting the project to raise funds for a tree supplied by the Council but it again needs a lot of support financially from the community and local businesses and organisations to fund it. The Maypole Committee will also contribute to the funding of the tree but doesn’t want to be left with a bill for a shortfall!

The cost of a standard 22 foot tree; securing it safely on the Maypole Green; provision of lighting and connection to the power supply and subsequent removal of the tree and disposal is quite high.

The cost is £1,794.40 plus 20% VAT (£358.88) plus a further a further £104.71 for an engineer and 'plunger' @ £87.26 plus VAT £17.45) , so you could say £2,225 is needed to provide a proper tree for the village. Some funding has already been pledged to the level of £1,150, so a further £1,100 is needed.

I am asking you if you will consider contributing even a small amount towards this project? Any amount small or large will be gratefully received.

The money will be managed through the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee accounts and will be fully audited.

Thank you for your consideration and support - let's make it a great Christmas for Gawthorpe!

Many thanks, Duncan

For and on behalf of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee (and the people of Ossett and Gawthorpe)