This year OIB asked Otley Maker Space to laser some festive patterns on both sides of some slices of wood. We then painted one side of them. Once we’ve used them in the Parish church we will give them to Hug on a Tray to sell. The new owners can decorate the other side.
If you have time, go along to the Parish church, it is a lovely festival.
It was great to get back to making Christmas OiB decorations in a member’s house in preparation for the festival. This year we wanted to give the kids of Otley small collections of sun flower seeds that they could plant for next summer. We try to package sunflower seeds in something (preferably compostable) to make it interesting and, as in other years, we ask the kids to take these seeds from the tree and then we replace them each day. Income from this work went to Horticap (who provide adults with learning and other disabilities training in horticulture, allied crafts and rural skills) and was worth £123.61 . All thanks to the generosity of the people of Otley.
We spent a happy evening making decorations for our tree which will be in the Christmas Tree Festival soon. This is what we made, with some mulled wine to help us along.
And here’s the finished result, with some of the makers. Come and see our tree along with all the others at the Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, 12th-15th December.
Please come and see our tree at the Christmas Tree Festival at the Parish Church from 6th to 9th December. There will be 40 trees to see, all set up by local charities and community groups, so bring some coins to support your favourites. There will be musical performances and the cafe will be open.
For more information see Otley Christmas Tree Festival.
Otley in Bloom have decorated a Christmas tree with giant pompom bumblebees, to symbolise the importance of bee-friendly planting in our gardens, and because it was fun making them. The Christmas tree is on display as part of the Otley Christmas Tree Festival at Otley Parish Church on Saturday 10th Dec from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 11th Dec from 11am-4pm. For more information see the festival website.
Otley in Bloom 