Tom lights up the town
MORE than 1,000 revellers descended on Rawtenstall’s Town Square on Saturday for the Christmas Market and lights switch-on, helping raise more than £1,000 for charity.
Special guest, paralympic swimming hero Tom Hamer, did the honours of switching on the lights in his home town and joining the double silver medal winning swim star were men, women, children and even dogs in Christmas jumpers.
Artisan street food, mulled wine, cider and prosecco helped the event go with a swing as choirs, brass bands and contemporary bands kept everyone entertained.
MC Pete Sweetmore presided over the day- time events, which were followed by the Christmas tree and lights switch-on, a lantern parade and carol singing, with music director and owner of The Artisan Danny Solazzo taking over in the evening.
Jane Boys, who organised the event along with Mark Smith from the Farmers’ Market and Danny Solazzo, said: “It went better than we ever could have expected. There was a really great atmosphere with people dancing on the square. We could hear people on their phones telling their friends it was fantastic and to come on down.”
There was something for everyone with tempting food from pizza, jambalaya, Mexican food and the more traditional potato pie and peas.
Robin Sharples, whose shed, The Smithy, was shortlisted for a Shed of The Year competition on Channel Four earlier this year, was also there selling roasted chestnuts.
Even pooches vould enjoy a healthy festive treat from Millie and Ruby’s Dog Bakery, whose delights included ‘Pup Cakes’, ‘Dog Beer’ and ‘Custard Creams’.
The Water Brass Band, ukulele player Laura Marie, community choir Valley Aloud, band Ros- sendale Valley Sounds and musicians supplied by The Artisan provided the music.
Jane said: “It was fantastic - as Water Brass Band played in the morning the church bells were ringing - we couldn’t have planned it better!
“Laura Marie and the other bands were fantastic too. It was just great to see so many people out. It was a really good day for trading too and all the traders new to Rawtenstall were really impressed with it.” She added: Everyone was delighted to see Tom Hamer switch the lights on. Him being an Paralympian is just the biggest thing to hit Rossendale.”
DOUBLE Paralympic medallist Tom Hamer has been shortlisted for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
Swim star Tom, 18, from Rawtenstall, would follow in the footsteps of past winners Wayne Rooney, Tom Daley and Andy Murray if he wins.
The former Alder Grange pupil won silver in the 200m S14 freestyle and S14 individual medley at the Rio Paralympic Games this year, setting British records in both events.
He also won gold in the 200m freestyle at the IPC European Championships in March.
He said: “I was over the moon when my dad told me I’d been shortlisted after he got the phone call.
“I had to keep it to myself until the BBC announced it though, I couldn’t even tell my friends.
“I’m so excited, it’s a great achievement and it feels surreal to think that I’m up for the same award Wayne Rooney and Andy Murray got.”
The award is given to outstanding young sports people aged 17 or under on January 1 this year and those shortlisted are selected from nomina- tions made to the BBC and by sports governing bodies via the Youth Sport Trust.
The top three will be named on Blue Peter on Thursday, 8 December, with the awards taking place at Birmingham’s Genting Arena on Sunday, December 18.
Tom said: “I’m an athlete so of course I’d love to win, to come first, but I want the younger genera- tion to see that a guy with learning difficulties who struggled through school can get this far, that anyone can do anything if they put their minds to it.
“I have always had a passion for swimming and every day I’m in the water is a good day.
“I just want to keep get ting better and better and to win more medals.”
His parents Darren, 44, and Liz, 47, who live on Constable Lee, in Rawtenstall, said they were delighted at Tom’s nomination.
Darren said: “It’s so exciting, Tom is made up about it. It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind since Rio.
“It would be amazing if he could reach the top three.”
He added: “Tom just hopes him being shortlisted will inspire people who’ve had setbacks like he has.
“It’s been hard for him but he’s doing what he’s always wanted to do.,
“He’s set his targets high but he’s achieved them and he wants to show others they can too.”
‘I’m so excited, it’s a great achievement and feels surreal’