A ‘MAGICAL’ week of community events in Berry Hill has been helping to get the village in the Christmas spirit.

The committee that organised the Christmas lights switch-on and carol service on Friday (December 9) at the Globe also managed to raise enough money to provide a Christmas meal for over-70s in the community.

Jo Revill, committee secretary, said: “It was a fabulous evening on Friday. Over 300 people came along to support us. Berry Hill Primary School pupils read poems and Five Acres High School’s head boy gave a reading.

“Rev Tony Williams led us with some blessings, Coleford Community Choir sang carols a cappella and Berry Hill band played. The event was magical and gave a real ‘feel good’ start to festivities.”

Firefighter Roger Pickett, who also heads up dementia awareness in the Forest, switched on the lights helped by his two children. The Christmas tree had new lights this year and lights for some of the village’s buildings were donated by Coleford Town Council.

“We chose ribbons for the tree rather than baubles, which was a good decision given the amount of snow we’ve since had,” Jo added. “People were invited to write a message for a lost loved one before ribbons were tied to the tree.

“We had funding from West Dean Parish Council and the local Lions and Rotary clubs. Brideoak Homes and Advanced Dry Lining gave us money and we had many very important smaller donations.

“We decided on a Christmas lunch for the over-70s with some of the money raised to give a bit back. It took place on Tuesday (December 5) at Berry Hill Rugby Club and nearly 80 people came along.

“Committee member Yvonne Wood did her very best to make sure as many people knew as possible and we gave lifts to those who needed them. It was a real community event again. The rugby club gave the venue for free and Berry Hill Primary School pupils and Forest Singers came along to sing carols.

“Cinderford Help the Aged cooked and transported the food and six pupils from Five Acres High School served people their meals. The feedback we had from those who came along was amazing.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who planned, organised, helped and supported both events and to wish them a very merry Christmas.”

Parish and district Cllr Tim Gwilliam said:

“It was simply a brilliant week and is what being a community representative is all about. I think the best thing was that people said it made them feel like Christmas did in the old days. I like to think that’s a good thing.”