The Story of our Christmas Lights
This story cannot be told without reference to a number of people who for many years worked extremely hard to provide the Village Christmas Light display. Some of those people are sadly no longer with us but it is important that we remember them all and thank them for their selfless service in bringing good tidings of great joy to every resident of Middleton and Aislaby. Thank you.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
For many, many Christmases a single strand of coloured light bulbs lit the highway through the village of Middleton. A dedicated band of volunteers raised money and installed the lights in all weathers sometimes using the most dubious of equipment. The lights were much loved, plugged in to residents domestic electric supplies through bedroom windows. The time of the LED light, health and safety and waning agility meant that this ad hoc group of seasonal warriors had to think about succession planning.
The 'Christmas Light Switch On' had become a firm favourite with soup, rolls, mince pies and mulled wine being made and sold to raise money complimented by other fund raising events.
A sub committee of the Middleton and Aislaby Village Hall was formed to support the Christmas Light project and they invested heavily in new lighting and a robust electrical installation centred on the Village Hall. They developed a thematic approach to new displays using the latest LED lighting and technology. Each year additional displays, or the extension of current displays are considered by the Committee.
THE COVID CHALLENGE
The COVID years 2020-22 presented particular challenges but it was thought that the village needed a Christmas community morale boost and the events were organised with a fully subsidised approach. It seemed the right thing to do.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY 2023
The recent change in ownership and the subsequent development of the Middleton and Aislaby Village Green and Town End Pond has presented the Christmas Light Sub Committee with an opportunity to create/design an extended lighting display to embrace and enhance the naturally occurring flora and fauna. This was done to a high standard and critical acclaim from residents and passers-by. The excellent home made soup, mince pies and mulled wine was enhanced considerably with the inclusion of the 'Ryelarks Choir' who sang a mixture of traditional and modern Christmas songs.
For many, many Christmases a single strand of coloured light bulbs lit the highway through the village of Middleton. A dedicated band of volunteers raised money and installed the lights in all weathers sometimes using the most dubious of equipment. The lights were much loved, plugged in to residents domestic electric supplies through bedroom windows. The time of the LED light, health and safety and waning agility meant that this ad hoc group of seasonal warriors had to think about succession planning.
The 'Christmas Light Switch On' had become a firm favourite with soup, rolls, mince pies and mulled wine being made and sold to raise money complimented by other fund raising events.
A sub committee of the Middleton and Aislaby Village Hall was formed to support the Christmas Light project and they invested heavily in new lighting and a robust electrical installation centred on the Village Hall. They developed a thematic approach to new displays using the latest LED lighting and technology. Each year additional displays, or the extension of current displays are considered by the Committee.
THE COVID CHALLENGE
The COVID years 2020-22 presented particular challenges but it was thought that the village needed a Christmas community morale boost and the events were organised with a fully subsidised approach. It seemed the right thing to do.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY 2023
The recent change in ownership and the subsequent development of the Middleton and Aislaby Village Green and Town End Pond has presented the Christmas Light Sub Committee with an opportunity to create/design an extended lighting display to embrace and enhance the naturally occurring flora and fauna. This was done to a high standard and critical acclaim from residents and passers-by. The excellent home made soup, mince pies and mulled wine was enhanced considerably with the inclusion of the 'Ryelarks Choir' who sang a mixture of traditional and modern Christmas songs.