Late Night Christmas Shopping

Our fears of bad weather, very much in evidence the previous week, melted, like the snow, as on our special night of 8 December, whilst being sizeably chilly, was dry, with no wind.

The evening went exceptionally well and underlined the committee’s hard work, planning and indeed wisdom in changing the format to be more representative of a traditional Christmas event.

This included the nativity scene in the bus shelter, the very novel concept of a temporary ice rink installed in the town centre car park (which proved exceptionally popular, particularly with the younger generation), together with the fairground organ, children’s lantern procession and a whole host of choirs, carol singers, musicians and attendant stalls.
 
At the time of writing, the actual money side of things has yet to be established, but it looks very much as though we have covered our costs. Thanks to everyone that helped, advised, and oiled the wheels in their particular way.   Special thanks to the organisational flair of Nick Hempleman and his ever willing staff, the entire raffle selling team (including two Grammar School volunteers), stall organisers, entertainment arrangers, and so on.

Once again David Steadman provided the stalls. I do hope that traders had a good night but most important of all, from the feedback I have received so far, members of the public seemed to enjoy it very much indeed. There was a good crowd, with no bother, and as far as I am aware no calls on the St. John Ambulance people.

Particular thanks also go to Marilyn Robertson-Aikman who kindly officially opened the evening, Ken Churchill who doubled as Father Christmas, Vivien Lyth, who despite the aftermath of a severe cold did sterling work as our Master of Ceremonies, all the businesses and others who contributed money and prizes for the raffle, etc, the Rotary Club who supplied the Marshals, the Police and their police car, and everyone else who helped to make this an event to remember.

My apologies if I have left anyone out, as this article is written in haste, to catch the next issue.
 
Ian Ivatt, Steyning Chamber of Trade

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