Festive fun
Carer’s plan to spread Christmas cheer throughout community - ‘I just wanted to brighten people’s day’
A Billingshurst woman plans to bring Christmas joy to the village with a spectacular selection of festive decorations.
Tina Mallory, 44, has set up Light Up Billingshurst For Christmas, calling on village residents to decorate their houses and sign up to the event online.
She said: “It all started with just a small idea. I have now got 400 people involved.
“I didn’t think it was going to take off this big. It’s turned into something rather huge.”
The displays officially launched on December 1 and will end on Christmas Day. Prizes will be awarded for various categories including best decorated house with the winners revealed on December 26, Tina said.
The carer added: “I just wanted to brighten people’s day. I love seeing the kids’ faces over Christmas. That’s my main reason [for doing it].
“Covid-19 has taken so much away from us all, holidays, family, businesses and even our freedom for some.
“Let’s not let it take Christmas.”
Raffles will be running as well as the displays and Tina has set up a Facebook group called Light Up Billingshurst For Christmas which she is urging people to join.
Tina said several businesses have donated prizes including Billy’s on the Road who gave a voucher for the best decorated house.
There will also be a candy cane hunt running during the project.
A website with more details of Light Up Billingshurst For Christmas has been launched at www.light-upbillingshurst.co.uk
Or you can visit the group’s Facebook page.