Christmas parade and carols coming up

NEW Norfolk's two major service clubs will be swinging into action this weekend for the Derwent Valley's biggest annual Christmas celebrations.

CAROLS IN THE PARK: The Lions Club of New Norfolk's traditional Carols in the Park will be held at Tynwald Park from 6-10pm this Friday, December 13. Entry is free, bring your own blankets and chairs.

The evening will feature children's entertainment from 6pm, including Sands Family Circus, face painting, a balloon artist, jumping castle, reptile rescue, and some high-energy activities with D'FAT. The carols will start at 8.15pm with lead vocalist Grace Ovens accompanying the Derwent Valley Concert Band. Programs and candles will be available for purchase.

Lions Club Christmas cakes and puddings are available for purchase from the Derwent Valley Council office, at the Amcal and Guardian pharmacies in High St, or by calling 0418 127 439. The Lions Club will also be selling Christmas raffle tickets in High St from 9am-1pm this Saturday.

CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FAIR: The Derwent Valley Rotary Club has been busy organising the New Norfolk Christmas Parade and the Rotary Christmas Fair, which will both be held this Saturday, December 14. The fair is on Arthur Square from 10am to 3pm and the parade will start at noon in High St.

The Christmas Parade was revived by local businesses 20 years ago and is funded by the New Norfolk Business Alliance (a Special Committee of the Derwent Valley Council), conducted on its behalf by the Rotary Club. The parade starts at the Bathurst St end of High St and does two laps of High St via Circle St.

SANTA'S HOUSE: The New Norfolk Business Alliance and the New Norfolk Christmas Group are once again operating Santa's House, providing an opportunity for photos with Santa Claus and a place to drop off donations of wrapped lollies for the New Norfolk Fire Brigade's "Santa Run" on Christmas Eve, as well as suitable donations of pet food and gifts for Grace Hills Animal Rescue service. Santa's House will this year operate from 18a High St (the former Big Red Box), open from 11am-4pm from December 16-20, 10am-2pm on December 21, 11am-4pm on December 23 and 10am-2pm on December 24.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH: On Christmas Day, December 25, the New Norfolk War Memorial Hall in Circle St will once again offer a free Christmas Day community lunch from noon-3pm, with carols from 2-3pm. This is provided by the combined churches of New Norfolk. All welcome. For more information, to request transport or to make a booking (to assist with catering) phone 0418 729 391.

DERWENT VALLEY CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

December 13 (Friday): Carols in the Park, Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, presented by the Lions Club of New Norfolk. Free children's activities from 6pm; carols from 8.15pm.

December 14 (Saturday): Rotary Christmas Fair, Arthur Square, New Norfolk, presented by Derwent Valley Rotary Club, 10am-3pm.

December 14 (Saturday):  New Norfolk Christmas Parade, High St, New Norfolk, presented by the New Norfolk Business Alliance, noon-1pm.

December 14 (Saturday): Hobart Speedway, Sorell Creek, gates open from 3pm. Karts racing at 3.45pm and main track action from 6pm. Children's activities, fireworks and a visit by Santa.

December 14 (Saturday): Ellendale Hall Christmas Party. Free children's entertainment on the oval from 4-6pm. Barbecue food on sale at the hall from 4pm. Santa arrives on fire truck at 6pm for photos. From 7.30pm, Adam D'Silva and band (entry $15pp, children under 15 free).

December 15 (Sunday): Community carols and barbecue, St James the Less Anglican Church, Osterley, 11am. Bring a hat, chair and Christmas cheer. Food and drink provided.

December 15 (Sunday): Songs of Christmas, St Paul's Uniting Church, Burnett St, New Norfolk, 2pm.

December 22 (Sunday): Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, St Matthew's Anglican Church, Bathurst St, New Norfolk, 7.30pm, featuring the St Matthews Singers. Supper afterwards.

December 22 (Sunday): Holy Communion, St Mary's Anglican Church, Gretna, 10am.

Christmas Eve, December 24: Nativity and carols, St Andrew's Anglican Church, Ellendale, 6.30pm.

Christmas Eve, December 24: St Peter's Catholic Church, Hillside Crescent, New Norfolk, Family Mass at 6pm, Midnight Mass at 9pm.

Christmas Day, December 25: Christmas Day service, St John's Anglican Church, Ouse, 10am.

Christmas Day, December 25: Christmas Day Mass, St Colman's Catholic Church, Ellendale, 11.30am.

Christmas Day, December 25: Free Christmas lunch at the War Memorial Hall, Circle St, New Norfolk. Noon-3pm. For more information, to request transport or to make a booking (to assist with catering) phone  0418 729 391.

See the 2018 New Norfolk Christmas Parade gallery here. 

Send details of other Christmas events to newnorfolknews@gmail.com.