How Arundel is spreading some much-needed Christmas cheer in 2020
oy to the passing traffic. St Margaret’s church in the parish of Warnham may have had closed doors during lockdown but it has still reached out to parishioners online. Now they have added festive cheer for all passing the church green with an array of brightly decorated Christmas trees. Among the forest of Christmas trees sits a small barn with a crib awaiting the arrival of baby Jesus to bring joy to the world – and we all could do with some joy as we approach 2021.
Arundel in West Sussex is embracing Christmas as much as possible and in the safest way possible. Arundel Chamber of Commerce has commissioned and arranged for local filmmakers beechtobeach to create an inspiring film Arundel Is Christmas which was launched on Wednesday December 9.
As Sharon Blaikie, chairman of Arundel Chamber of Commerce explained: “We are delighted with the film, which is the third one in the series that we have worked on with beechtobeach over the past few months – the others being
JArundel Is Your Destination and Arundel Is Here For You – these films underpin the campaign which supports commerce and celebrates community spirit showcasing a visibly safe and welcoming environment.”
Arundel town is on the edge of the picturesque South Downs National Park and showcases Christmas in what it has to offer this festive season.
A campaign is alive to boost awareness of the town and what it has to offer with a programme of low-key socially-distanced activities to support the local high street and also includes the notion of ‘eat, drink, shop and be merry’ where cafés and restaurants have created seasonal menus, and the bars and pubs will be looking festive. Shops and residents in Arundel have been encouraged to decorate their homes and shop windows for the Best Dressed Christmas Decoration Competition with the mayor of Arundel Tony Hunt giving away two prizes of £250 (one to residents and one to the shops’ chosen charity).
Local children from two schools – Arundel Church of
England and St Philips – have also been involved in a Christmas Card Competition with prizes eagerly awaited at the end of term.
Arundel is known for its independent businesses and many have stayed open late for shoppers offering an array of retailers selling clothes, food and wine, flowers, books, antiques, gifts, beauty treatments and much more. The Farmers’ Market will take place on Saturday, December 19 from 9am until 2pm.
And for those needing a gift for the person who has everything – various attractions including Arundel Castle, Arundel Lido and WWT Arundel Wetland Centre could be the answer as they offer annual memberships.
Sharon concluded: “The sense of Christmas has been successfully achieved early in Arundel this year. Once again, the town is looking fabulous and festive, and the closer we get to Christmas – the better it’s going to look. We know that things have had to be done differently this year, but we are thrilled how the businesses and residents of Arundel are supporting us and one another in every way they can.”