A crowded Mall at Telford Town Centre filled by the sounds of the Salvation Army Band heralded the arrival of Dicky Dodds of Signal Radio 107 who was to switch-on the 2017 Telford Tree of Light. Chairman of the organising committee, Max Clowes, welcomed representatives of the charities supported by this year’s Tree, the Tree’s sponsors, Rotary District 1210 Governor, Carol Reilly, the Presidents of the four organising Rotary Clubs and many of those whose families’ names appear around the Tree.
Max said, “The Telford Tree of Light would not be possible without the support of the four Rotary Clubs of Telford and the many corporate sponsors who contribute so that every penny donated in memory of a loved one can be passed to the nominated charities. This together with the wonderful generosity of the people of Telford helps to make the Tree a great success.” Max then welcomed and introduced Dicky Dodds, before asking him to Switch-on this year’s Tree. With the warmth of his smile and personality filling the area around the Tree he spoke from personal experience of the importance of remembering loved ones, especially at Christmas time. Dicky encouraged everyone to use social media to spread the word and reminded everyone to use Gift Aid if a taxpayer. Then following a traditional count-down he switched on the 2017 Telford Tree of Light.