Last year a new and wonderful tradition was started in the village, to bring Christmas cheer to all; the tree decoration donation. There's nearly always been a tree on the village green, organised by various generous individuals and organisations, but in 2014 Ray Goodman gave everyone a chance to get involved. The call went out for decorations to be sent from far and wide as well as to the village residents.
Decorations have since been sent in from as far as Hong Kong and Vietnam, with touching messages from those with fond memories of the village, and children have dedicated their decorations to their families.
Villagers have also chosen this place to remember loved ones no longer with us for Christmas. Look carefully and you will see the tin whistle, which many of us fondly remember Gerry playing around Walberswick and Southwold, there’s a paint bush for Mary, and David is represented by an everlasting dahlia. Near the top if the tree there’s a heart with a 'W', which stands for Will as well as for Walberswick.
Perhaps the most delightful contribution this year comes from the Kerridge family, with Hannah Kerridge writing:
This is in memory of my Granny and Grandad Kerridge from Adams Lane. My Grandad (Kenneth) had lived in Walberswick all his life. He was born in Ivy Cottage. He met my Granny (Pamela/Pammy), who had evacuated from London and moved with her family to The Anchor. They married and moved to Blythburgh for a few years before returning back to Walberswick to live their happy lives. Having 9 children and as you can imagine, a lot of us grandchildren.
I have spent my holidays every year since birth staying with my Grandparents and Walberswick holds a huge part of my heart. I visited in November this year and whilst visiting Granny and Grandad at the church I stumbled across your newsletter and knew they (especially Pammy) would have loved to have been a part of this lovely tradition!
After 60 years of the Kerridges being at Adams Lane it is certainly an era over for us. But knowing they’ll be enjoying Christmas on the village green makes me very happy!
Many thanks and Merry Christmas,
Hannah Kerridge (Derbyshire) & Michael, Janette & Ben.