Village hosts first ever Christmas lights switch on
Etwall residents turned out in force for the village's inaugural Christmas lights switch-on.
The large tree on the village green is being lit up for the first time this year, after the parish council secured funding for brand new festive lights.
Bloor Homes, which is building the Alms Meadows development off Willington Road, donated £500 towards the cost of the lights, with contributions also coming from the parish council, Etwall Well Dressing Association and a private donor from the village.
Crowds gathered around the tree to watch local legend Maurice Vaughan turn on the lights, before taking part in a carol service led by the St Helen’s Church and Etwall Primary School choirs.
Councillor David Neal, Chairman of Etwall Parish Council, said: “The council was approached by a number of residents asking us to consider Christmas lights in the village and we have been delighted with the support we have received from the local community.
“There was a fantastic turnout at our official switch-on and I’d like to thank our sponsors for enabling us to provide this fantastic display for villagers to enjoy.”
Bloor Homes Sales Advisor Nathan Leonard, who is based at the Alms Meadow development, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Etwall Parish Council’s project to provide festive lighting for the village this year. It is a spectacular display which I am sure will provide some festive cheer for the whole community.”
Local resident Maurice Vaughan was granted the honour of switching on the lights in recognition of his long service to Etwall Cricket Club, which he joined as a junior 80 years ago and where he currently holds the role of club president.
Maurice said: “It was a real honour to be asked to switch on the lights and I am really pleased the parish council invited me to take part.”