Shawclough & Healey December 2018

Community at Christmas
By Councillor Shaun O’Neill.
“Oh Christmas tree” “Oh Christmas tree” is one of the oldest Carol
songs, with its origins in Germany. The actual tradition of putting
a fir tree in your front room came in 1841 when Queen Victoria’s,
German husband, Prince Albert, introduced one to Windsor Castle
and this was copied by the well to do folk in London.
With the invention of Edison’s light bulb the practice of using
candles to light up your tree became a thing of the past, which
was probably just as well, given the amount of fires it caused!
Of course, these days Christmas trees and lights are relatively
affordable and the public ones on display in the Town centre and
Borough Townships become a focal point for carol singers and
New Year celebrations.
Not to be out done, this year, there are going to be Christmas
lights on a very impressive fir tree on Syke common.
The big switch on will have taken place by now, courtesy of the
Mayor, Councillor Zaman. (Boyzone couldn’t make it!)
But residents will be pleased to know that a further event will take
place around the Community Tree on Thursday 20th Dec @ 6pm.
Carol singers will be accompanied by The Salvation Army Band,
with lots of Christmas events taking place in the beautiful Syke
Chapel, including food, fun, face painting and lots, lots more.
So come up and join us in all the festive activities this Christmas.
“O Tannenbaum”
“O Tannenbaum!”
Councillor Shaun O’Neill
Labour, Healey Ward.
ADVICE SURGERY EVERY THURSDAY 1pm-2pm at Syke Community Base, Syke Chapel.
Tel: 07812 238323 or 01706 633585 Email: shaun.oneill@rochdale.gov.uk
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