Norfolk Paralympian Danny Nobbs to open 50 Christmas Trees in a Church Dickleburgh

Norfolk shot putter Danny Nobbs, who represented GB at the Beijing Paralympics, will open the ninth annual 50 Christmas Trees in a Church festival at All Saints Dickleburgh, Norfolk on Saturday December 1 at 6pm.

Danny will be piped into the church by Bob Rayson, accompanied by two London 2012 Games Makers, Cathie Davies, who fenced for Wales in the 1998 Commonwealth Games and Mandy Dutton from Pulham Market, along with Annie Chapman, organiser of the annual Ladies Tractor Road Run, who took part in the Torch Relay.

The festival then runs from Sunday, December 2 to Sunday, December 9, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on December 9 for prize giving). This year 50 Christmas Trees in a Church is supporting WheelPower www.wheelpower.org.uk, a charity that provides sports wheelchairs for young disabled athletes. Admission is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses, community organisations and children’s groups. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev’d Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave. We are aiming to raise enough money to fund a new sports wheelchair, which will go to a young athlete in Norfolk. I would like to thank Eastern Counties Access Solutions and TWP Designs for sponsoring the event and Active Norfolk for their support and advice. ”

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, www.50christmastrees.com.