Special Christmas delivery for Exeter Cathedral
Two majestic fir trees from Clinton Devon Estates’ East Devon forests have been specially selected to take pride of place in Exeter Cathedral for this year’s Christmas celebrations.
The largest tree, a thirty foot fir which stands outside the main entrance, will become Hospiscare’s official Tree of Light when it is illuminated in a Service of Light this Sunday (4th December 2011). The tree will be lit at dusk every evening until January 6th in memory of friends and family.
The second tree will be just under twenty feet tall and will stand in the main west entrance of the Cathedral.
Clinton Devon Estates, which manages 1900 hectares of woodland across North and East Devon, donates the trees to the Cathedral and Hospiscare as a gift every year.
John Wilding, Head of Environment and Forestry said: “The tradition of cutting our finest firs for the Cathedral goes back as long as anyone can remember. Possibly well over 100 years.”
John Wilding added: “The trees come from our non-commercial spruce plantation near Budleigh Salterton and are specially chosen for their superior shape and size. The tree of light is delivered at the beginning of December but the Cathedral’s own tree is cut just before the forestry team finish work for Christmas to ensure that it’s at its very best for the big day.”
Louise Beeken, Community Events Manager at HospiceCare said: “At Christmas, many people’s thoughts will be turning to memories of those who are no longer with them. HospisCare organises the Services of Light to give those people time to remember and the lights on the tree are a symbol of remembrance, giving comfort and strength during the Christmas period”
Clinton Devon Estates is also one of the main sponsors of this year’s Carols in the Cathedral event, performed by Exeter’s Philharmonic Choir on 14th and 15th December 2011.
Tickets for this event are still available on www,exephil.org.uk.
For more information on the Services of Light taking place across Devon please visit www.hospicecare.co.uk.