With the approach of the festive Christmas Season, residents and visitors now have an opportunity to enjoy a delightful time at the decorated historic ‘Trough’ at Coronation Avenue in The Valley.
The Trough, just outside the Department of Agriculture, was once a source of water for animals but every Christmas time it is transformed into a place of beauty and enjoyment.
The event is the annual lighting of the main Tamarind Tree with extended lights to various tree trunks along the stretch of road as well as sidewalk arches and fencing. The event, which commenced on Wednesday evening, December 12, is the work of the Anguilla Lions Community, now virtually taken over by a younger group of persons, but with the support of original members.
“We are having the launch of the 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting where we are paying homage to ANGLEC so we have adopted its colour scheme,” said Derick Richardson, Vice President/Treasurer of the Lions Community. “This is because of the company’s contribution to Anguilla’s development and its outstanding work in restoring electricity after Hurricane Irma.”
Richardson outlined the various social and cultural events from now until January 1, 2019 and was grateful for the sponsorship the Lions Club received from the business community. He expressed thanks and appreciation to Mr. Ian (Sugar George) Edwards of Sunset Homes who was instrumental in sponsoring the lighting of the other 50 trees along Coronation Avenue.
President of the Club, Brent Warner, who for over 20 years had been involved in the event, along with other persons, was pleased that younger people like Derick Richardson had come forward to take over the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Mr. Bren Romney, Director of Youth and Culture, commended the Lions Community for organising the event. “Once again I extend my congratulations to the Lions Community for an exceptional execution of The Valley Community Tree Lighting under the theme: ‘Love the Gier and Not Just the Gift,’ he remarked. “I think it is a fitting theme given the immense work that goes into this production on an annual basis; the amount of time and resources invested by the members of The Valley Community; businesses and Government departments and the immense support and appreciation shown by the Anguillian community on an annual basis.”
Among the speakers was Mr. David Gumbs, CEO of ANGLEC who was pleased with the recognition given to his company. Two of the company’s trucks and other equipment was on hand to demonstrate ANGLEC’s technical capabilities which greatly assisted with the restoration of electricity within 100 days following the devastation by Hurricane Irma.
The drum bands of the Pathfinders and the Boys’ Brigade, as well as the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School Steel Orchestra, were in attendance at the commencement of the event.
