Hedge End’s Christmas Lights are ON!

By Caroline_W | Saturday, December 05, 2009, 11:55

Hedge End’s Christmas Lights had their official switch-on last night, Thursday 3 December – and even the rain stayed away!

Hedge End's Christmas Lights - photo by Bruce Williams
Father Christmas in Hedge End - photo by Bruce Williams

A North Pole temperature – or so it seemed to me! – greeted Father Christmas as he arrived following the Christmas tree light-up in the town centre.

The official switch-on was done by Carnival Queen, Zoe Bloom, and Senior Carnival Queen, Barbara Reakes, along with Jean Rumbold who has received a Serving the Community Award.

This is the second year the Town Council has organised the event. June Hughes, Chair of the Community Events and Grants Committee said, ‘We have been ably supported by Town Council staff – both ground staff and office staff, but the event wouldn’t have happened without the work of our Vice Chair, Pearl Hicks.’

The event was supported by the store Budgens and Richmonds Property Services who donated the Christmas tree. Richmonds’ Director Nathan McCathie said, ‘Richmonds integration within the local community is very important to its directors and this is why Richmonds have supported many local based charities and schools.’

The evening events followed an afternoon of entertainment for Hedge End. The skating rink at Greta Park was a fitting sight in view of the seasonal frosty weather and Budgens was on hand with wine-tasting and warm mince pies to take off the chill. An organ-grinder and the Town Crier, Indian dancers and choirs from local schools all performed, while Burnett’s fair-ground attractions helped keep the children amused.

Pearl Hicks commented, ‘It’s wonderful to see so many people – and I’d like to thank all those who have helped. It’s been a really lovely evening.’

That the event was a success all round was confirmed by PC Joe Clarke, Hedge End’s Beat Officer: ‘It’s been a very festive and friendly atmosphere. It’s good to see such a good turnout from the people in Hedge End. We wish everybody a happy and safe Christmas.’

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Comments

I knew somebody would say that...!

Indian Dancing still doesn't fit in with many peoples idea of a traditional English Christmas though, and that's where the problem lies. Politicians ignore it at thier peril...

What does the Christian Indian community traditionally do at Christmas? I bet it is not what the English community normally does. It would be interesting to find out, but I still think it is a mistake to try to mix the two cultures, particularly in the current political climate. There's real value in keeping the traditions separate.

As for peace and goodwill, don't make me laugh Keith: Christmas is mainly a commercial festival these days...

By TGRWorzel at 23:14 on 09/12/09
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On the subject of the Indian dancers, it is worthwhile to point out that Christmas is a holiday in India just as it is in England and that with 24 million Christians in India it is wrong to assume that all people of Indian descent in England are Hindus.

I thought that the tradition of Christmas is one of peace and goodwill to all people.

By Keith_Day at 21:36 on 09/12/09
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I thought it was a great thing to do, I love having the lights everywhere! Good way to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

By EdwinaKing at 17:53 on 07/12/09
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Yes, it was good overall, but imagine the comments if a Brass Band featured at what was supposedly a festival commemorating Diwali...

By TGRWorzel at 19:28 on 04/12/09
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I thought it was a really fantastic atmosphere last night. I enjoyed watching everything that was on.

By CarrieAsh at 14:55 on 04/12/09
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