Local companies save charity Christmas lights display

Michelle Pulis and her family have been staging a seasonal lights spectacular for more than a decade. As well as bringing a warming glow to Blair Close on Woodhall Farm it has also raised thousands of pounds for Rennie Grove.

This year, however, a dark shadow loomed over the lights show. The soaring cost of energy left Michelle fearing for the future of the family’s dazzling Christmas tribute.

“We start work in the summer, building Lego models of our festive scenes. This year the usual build up has been hampered by warnings about the rising cost of energy. Although we wanted to start as usual building the scenes, I just couldn’t see how we could possibly afford to run the display.”

“I’ve made savings such as switching to LED bulbs but I knew the cost of electricity could still be prohibitive.”

So Michelle, who has been involved with Rennie Grove since receiving support from us following treatment for breast cancer, explained her dilemma on social media.

“I was delighted to be contacted by three local companies: The Kitchen Depot Herts, JW Carpentry and Building and Shire Homecare. They all offered support to ensure that the display could go ahead as planned. I was so touched to receive this support. Over the years we have raised more than £13,000 for Rennie Grove and I was devastated to think that we might not be able to continue.”

The family light show will be officially switched on at 6pm this Saturday (November 26) and the celebration will include refreshments and funding raising activities such as a raffle and tombola.

The lights will then be turned on every evening between 5pm and 9pm until Boxing Day.