Margate has got a Christmas tree in Cecil Square after efforts by ward councillor Iris Johnston and the community.
Her son Paul arranged for Acorn Homes to fund the tree which has gone up in the square today (November 27).
The tree was possible due to help from the team at Community Ad, who worked on the documentation and paid some of the charges to KCC, Garry Went who is the expert electrician needed to check and certify the lights tomorrow, Mary Watts at Thanet council , Paul Valek and Sharon Robbins at Kent County Council and Jackie at Youngs nursery who kept the tree price at the 2017 level and oversaw all the installations.
Iris said: “I would also like to say thank you to everyone who offered help and James Godden and David Goodwin. Lovely lovely people. There are already people stopping to admire it.”
The tree was again thrown in doubt this year due to a lack of people able to organise the installation and light up event.
Iris put out an 11th hour plea which was successful.
Last year a fundraiser was launched after it was revealed there would be no Christmas tree in the square.
The town’s tree, which is funded by the Margate mayor and charter trustees, was earmarked for in the Old Town instead.
The decision followed a “shambolic” tree in 2016 that was put in place with just one string of lights.
Local companies, including Falcon Electrical and Security Ltd, Off The Hook Productions, DAM High Access, Goodwins Power Tools Margate, and CommunityAd Web Ltd, plus residents including schoolgirl Mia Kirkden got together to decorate and light the tree properly.
Last year Falcon Electrical & Security Limited, CommunityAd Web Ltd and Off The Hook Productions stepped in again – raising funds for the tree, lights and installation.
Margate also has Christmas trees at Turner Contemporary and the Old Town. The Old Town tree will be lit up at 4.30pm on Saturday, December 1.
