Member Article

Jesmond church lit up for Christmas thanks to local businessman

The iconic Christmas tree at St George’s Church in Jesmond has been officially switched on.

Ian Watson, founder of The Watson Family Charitable Trust, and his son Max joined the Reverend Canon Brian Hurst in a low-key ceremony, very different to previous years’ celebrations.

In 2017, The Watson Family Charitable Trust paid for the installation of exterior lighting that ensures the stunning building is a major landmark on the area’s skyline, day and night.

In addition to this the family pay for the annual installation of a beautiful Christmas tree which is displayed on the Church green and in normal times the children of the Percy Hedley School are invited to join the community for a carol service and to switch on the Christmas lights.

Ian Watson said: “In the past few years, the occasion of lighting up the Christmas tree, which came about as a result of us lighting up the church, has been a really special event.

“This year things are very different, and we’ve had to do a very small, private event without the children. We wanted to still go ahead with it because it’s such a special thing for Jesmond to have now.”

Reverend Canon Brian Hurst said: “One of the very first things that happened after I arrived here as vicar was the switch on of the floodlights. That has been a fantastic benefit for the community, and I think the whole city. The tree is the same and I am pleased we’ve been able to continue the tradition, even if it wasn’t in the usual way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .