Let there be lights!

8:06am Wednesday 15th November 2006

CHRISTMAS came to Chard for the first time in two years on Friday night as hundreds of people watched the festive lights switch-on.

A superb year-long effort by a group of volunteers, led by Jill Watts of Three Counties Glazing, transformed last year's dark streets into a glittering display the town can be proud of.

Onlookers braved the rain to witness Chard's Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matt Clay flick the all-important switch just after 7pm from the balcony of the Guildhall.

Traders have also been doing their bit by displaying Christmas trees and lights on their buildings - and they are also invited to take part in this year's window dressing competition.

Over the last 12 months the Christmas Lights committee has carried out tireless fundraising, negotiated numerous obstacles and fought through a tangled web of red tape to reach Friday's switch-on.

And they were rewarded with a fine show of support by the people of Chard.

On the night Deputy Mayor Martin Wale thanked Jill Watts and the committee for their hard work.

The News was also thanked for highlighting the problem last year and promoting this year's effort.

After the switch-on, Jill said: "When I saw the crowds arriving it was wonderful - I really enjoyed it and I hope everyone else did. I'd like to thank everyone who came along.

"Thank you to everyone who made torches - they were fantastic and it made it very difficult for the judges!

"Next year we want more lights to make a bigger impact - this is just the start!"

The evening got off to an all-singing all-dancing start with a festive display by the excellent Chard Goldstar Majorettes, who added Santa hats to their distinctive red costumes.

They were followed by families who lit up the streets with some dazzling and colourful homemade torches.

The line-up was completed by the lively urchins of the Kelly Leigh School of Dance, who entertained the crowds with music and routines from Oliver.

Meanwhile, some traders stayed open late and at Stringfellow Gallery in Holyrood Street, Bilby's was serving free fruit punch and mince pies, while children were able to get their present orders in at Santa's beautiful grotto in The Craft Shop.

Swimmer Matt Clay won the 50m backstroke gold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne this year.

On the night he said: "It's a tremendous honour to be here. As a kid I watched the switch-on and thought 'I would love to do that one day'."

Fundraising efforts for next year are already planned with a summer fete and a Proms concert.

If you can lend any type of support to the committee please contact Jill Watts on 01460-61719.

o THE Christmas torch competition was won by John David and "Millie".

o To view a special News photo gallery, click here