Switch-On Party at the Watermans Arts Centre

Brentford High Street Christmas Lights

Brentford High Street Christmas lights were switched on at 6pm on Friday 28 November.

Councillor Andrew Dakers welcomed members of the community to the second switch on of the Brentford Lights at the Watermans Arts Centre. After a pause to consider Michael Fletcher's tragic death last week Andrew gave thanks to all those who contributed financially or otherwise to the Christmas lights, in particular Julia Quilliam and Sarah Hoyle.

The singing club of St Paul's CE School graced the gathering with a number of contemporary Christmas carols, aided by Mrs McConnell, Mrs Downie and Mrs Cossar.

The Watermans Arts Centre gave thanks to the local community for supporting it through its tough year by contributing a welcome spread of mulled wine, mince pies, roasted chestnuts and toffee or chocolate apples.

The children were also delighted to enjoy several (sic) free rides on the rotating cups ride outside afterwards, also provided by Watermans, while grown ups finished off the mulled wine and mince pies with no rain to dampen the evening unlike last year. Councillors Matt Harmer and Ruth Cadbury were also in attendance.

Brentford's four primary schools have creatively contributed to the Christmas lights project. Children from Our Lady and St John's Primary School and Green Dragon Primary School have produced a staggering number of pictures and poems based on the themne of Christmas and the Snow Dargon. The children's work will be on display at the Watermans druing the Christmas period.

This year the Council is charging £3,200 to erect and take down the lights as well as for storage when not in use. However the Council's Area Committee have awarded a grant of £500 towards the lights. Together with proceeds from the Fund Raising Auction in September, donations made by local residents and businesses and the sale of Christmas cards £2,906 has been raised which is very close to the target.

For anyone who hasn't bought their Christmas cards there are still plenty left at Quilliams, 206 High Street. Six of the photos for these cards were donated by Michael Fletcher. Quilliams are also selling some cards for Boston Manor Park. For anyone wishing to make a small or large donation there is a collection box at the office.

December 15, 2008