Thornton-le-Dale gets switched on for Christmas (From Gazette & Herald)
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Thornton-le-Dale gets switched on for Christmas
12:17pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News
Work starts on putting up this year’s Christmas lights display in Thornton-le-Dale. Pictured are committe members Dave Whalley, Colin Binns, Andy Holmes and Dave Alger
THORNTON-le-Dale is already looking ahead to the festive season with volunteers starting to prepare the Christmas lights display.
For a number of years now, a small band of about 20 enthusiasts have started work in October to prepare for the Christmas switch-on which takes place on the first Saturday in December.
Volunteer Andy Holmes said it may seem a little early in October but there was a huge amount of work to be done.
He said: “The lights display is a community effort and we are always keen to welcome new volunteer. On Tuesdays and Thursdays you will see volunteers in bright yellow jackets around the village.”
Andy said that anyone who had a spare half hour or more was more than welcome to introduce themselves to one of the teams.
“We are very friendly and always glad to have additional help. It is not necessary to have any electrical experience, but if you have that too you would be especially welcome,” he said.
This year the switch-on is on Saturday, December 1, at 6pm. However, activities will be underway from about 5pm with a variety of seasonal stalls serving hot food and mulled wine in the area around The Green. There will also be a variety of music, including the Easy Band, and a visit from Father Christmas.
Andy said putting on the lights display costs about £4,000, plus electricity.
“This money comes through sponsors, proceeds of ‘Switch On Night’ and donations through our envelope scheme,” he said.
“Every house in the village receives a numbered envelope during the autumn asking for contributions to the fund. Those returned will be entered into a cash prize draw, with prizes of £50 and £25, which takes place shortly after the switch-on.
Andy said: “The lights committee would like to thank the sponsors, who provide cash to buy replacement displays, bulbs and other essential equipment. We are also indebted to those businesses that supply us with free electricity.”
