A tribute to loved ones at Christmas in Horncastle

Organisers of the Horncastle Tree of Light have spoken of their delight that this year’s ‘Tree’ has attracted a record number of tributes.
Horncastle Mayor Fiona Martin and members of the Tree of Light committee at the official switch on Photo John Aron PhotographyHorncastle Mayor Fiona Martin and members of the Tree of Light committee at the official switch on Photo John Aron Photography
Horncastle Mayor Fiona Martin and members of the Tree of Light committee at the official switch on Photo John Aron Photography

With more than 350 names on the Tribute List, it has been estimated more than £5,200 has been raised to be shared between St Barnabas Hospice (Lincolnshire), St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice in Grimsby and Boston’s Butterfly Hospice.

The tree stands close to the centre of town - at the junction of North Street and South Street - and was lit for the first time last Friday by the Mayor, Fiona Martin, who was accompanied by the President of Horncastle Lions, Philip Walter, and four committee members.

Other supporters, family and friends could not be invited this year because of the need for social distancing , but all the names on the tribute list were read out as usual.

Horncastle Tree of LightHorncastle Tree of Light
Horncastle Tree of Light

A recording of the ceremony will be posted on the website at

horncastletreeoflight.co.uk.

A spokesman for the Tree of Light committee, Tim Peacock, said: “People have been incredibly generous.

“We know that Covid-19 has made life difficult for so many of us but, at Christmas, it becomes especially appropriate to remember family members and friends who have died, either recently or in the past.

Names were read outNames were read out
Names were read out

“By sponsoring a light we are also helping hard pressed hospices that do such important work in our area.”

The Tree of Light committee, which involves Horncastle Lions and former members Horncastle Rotary club, wishes to acknowledge the support of community leaders and local businesses for promoting the event and for helping to cover all the operating costs, which means all the money donated can be passed on to the hospice charities.