Southampton’s Lord Mayor will be flicking the switch at a charity light-up event this weekend, to help combat loneliness in the city.
On Sunday, November 16, Councillor James Baillie will do the honours at St. James by the Park Church, Shirley for Communicare’s first of three free switch-on events this year.
Communicare’s Manager, Annie Clewlow (pictured top) says: “We’re committed to tackling loneliness and isolation across Southampton at a grassroots level. Our 17th annual Tree of Light campaign not only raises vital funds but also shines a light on our Good Neighbours befriending network – which always needs more volunteers. This year, we’re encouraging people to sponsor a light on one of our three trees in memory of a loved one, a cherished pet, or in support of a meaningful cause.
“For our 2025 campaign, we’ve a huge tree outside St. James by the Park Church, Shirley, one of the beautiful pines in the Woolston Millennium Garden and a large, donated tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
“We’re so delighted that the city’s 803rd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie will be joining us to flick the switch at our first event this year at St. James by the Park Church, which is a new venue for us. Our switch-on events are joyful, welcoming occasions that bring people together – and they offer a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness about loneliness, especially during the festive season, but we want people to be aware this is an all-year-round issue. Loneliness isn’t just for Christmas.
“Our three, free, festive tree light-up events will take place on Sunday, November 16 at St. James by the Park Church, where there will be a memorial service, for those that wish to attend it, from 3pm, refreshments and the light switch-on from 5pm. Then we’ll be at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road on Saturday, December 6 from 4.30pm for crafts, refreshments and carols with the switch-on at 5.30pm.
“On the same day, Saturday, December 6, we’ll also have a switch-on event at Woolston Millennium Garden at 5.30pm with carols led by The Rising Stars from 5pm. We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy these celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not.”
Hundreds of sponsored twinkling lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, will cover the tree at St. James by the Park Church, one of the pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
Annie continues: “We’re hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor a light on one of our trees, so we can continue to help those who would like to see a friendly face on a regular basis for a chat or to assist them with simple tasks like travelling to doctors’ appointments, social events or going shopping.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor a light is asked to make a minimum donation of £8. The names of those being remembered will be recorded in a remembrance book and published on the charity’s website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book.
Anyone who wishes to also receive a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree at home, should send a stamped addressed envelope to the Communicare office: 6 Northlands Road, Southampton, SO15 2LF along with their donation for their light. Please contact us on 023 8250 0050 or email accounts@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk if you would like further information about sponsoring a light.
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2025 Tree of Light campaign and events, please visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/tree-of-light-2025. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2025.
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