A SPECIAL Christmas trees festival is being held in the Avenue Methodist Church, Minehead, until January 4.

It features a 16 feet tall tree which has been made from ‘granny squares’ knitted by people in the local community over several months.

Minister the Rev Chloe Kingdon said: “Once the tree is taken down, the squares will be re-made into blankets and these will be auctioned off at a community concert in the spring.

“The theme for the festival is ‘Recycled’, so groups have decorated their trees using recycled materials.

“Some have made the trees themselves from recycled materials.

“Anybody can make a tree to display so businesses, clubs, schools, charities, families, and individuals can get creative.”

Proceeds from the festival, which is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, will go to the charity Homestart West Somerset.

Methodist services for Christmas across West Somerset include:

  • Porlock carol service December 14 at 2.30 pm
  • Brendon Hill carol service December 14 at 4.30 pm
  • Carols at Minehead Co-op December 18 from 10.30 am to 12 noon
  • Alcombe carol service December 21 at 10.30 am
  • Watchet carol service December 21 at 10.30 am
  • Minehead carol service 3.30 pm for warm punch, service to start at 4 pm
  • Minehead Christmas Eve shoppers’ service December 24 at 4 pm
  • Alcombe, Minehead, and Watchet worship December 25 at 10.30 am

Minehead Methodist Church also offers a ‘warm space’ every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm with free soup with rolls, cake, and coffee, and an opportunity to make conversation with others.

In Porlock, the church will be staging a ‘Living Nativity’ on Friday, December 12, acting out the Christmas Story and meandering through the village, starting at the museum and finishing in the garden behind the community library where there will be a Christmas tableau.