Christmas at Plough Green, this year, sees our biggest tree yet gracing our festive space, and a lovely switch-on event, which took place on Saturday 4th December. The event was organised by Fiona Sowell and Nausheen Arnold, and our Community Christmas Tree was organised by Posey Furnish. A massive thank-you to all three of you. A lot of hard work went into making this happen.

Our Community Christmas Tree

Posey had organised a large team of local volunteers to help decorate and put the tree into place on the green. It was quite an effort this year, as she’d managed to order our biggest tree yet, at 18ft. Posey’s threatening something bigger for next year! Matt Martin from Ivy Gate, kindly always pays for the tree, whilst Fangorn Landscapes, provide the white picket fencing. Thank-you to all involved.

A big thumbs up to the Vibrant Ukes for their wonderful Christmas music. Song sheets were handed out to the crowd, who added their voices to the festive sing-along. The Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, Councillor Self, gave a short uplifting speech and counted us down to the switch-on.

It was a heart warming evening

Local children decorated the tree with hand painted baubles. Our volunteers ran the Friends of Manor Park gazebo – which had a selfy-frame, all sort of treats, a lucky dip and a raffle (with many prizes provided by local businesses). Miller and Carter ran the ‘free’ food and drink stand, which had contributions from their restaurant, Hooky Street Café, Plough Bakers and Waitrose. We really couldn’t have run the event without the support of Miller and Carter. Many volunteers helped out on the evening. A massive thank-you. It was lovely seeing so many of the Old Malden community turn out. Our local businesses are very much part of that community, so a big thank-you to all those who supported the event with financial help, your products/services and your time.