Burbage resident George Gordon was awarded the title of ‘Local Hero of the Year’ at Wiltshire Life’s award ceremony held at STEAM in Swindon last Friday (March 23).
George Gordon was nominated for the award because he is the local hero of the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market. George has been running the sale for many years, together with a team of volunteers and is said to think about Christmas all year round!
George holds the planning meetings for the event in his home, sources the trees from the local area wherever possible, stores equipment and recruits volunteers.
About 2,500 people visit Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market over the course of a weekend to buy a tree, browse the market of 50 stallholders or meet family and friends. It’s a wonderful social occasion with people who have moved away from the area often returning to meet up with old friends and neighbours.
More than 700 Christmas trees were sold in 2016, with one being sold every 30 seconds at times! The event raised £20,000 for the village, with every penny going back into the community, to provide funds for the church, school and village hall.
Under George Gordon’s management the event has grown and so, too, have the funds raised.
He attended the event to collect his award: “As organiser of the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market I accepted the nomination for ‘Local Hero of the Year’ on the basis that this is helping to raise the profile of our Burbage event and as a figurehead for the wider team.’
“The event depends on sixty or so volunteers in the village that run activities and for all the good work undertaken.
“Talking to the judging panel it was evident that they were impressed by the number of people across our community engaged in the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale, the fact that we have sustained it over 23 years and achieved growth in the range of activities, visitor numbers and financial results. Thank you to everyone who helps to run the sale and to all our stall holders and customers for their loyal support over many years.”
Work is already underway for the 2018 Burbage Christmas Tree Sale, which will be held on December 8 and 9.
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