BROMYARD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

·      100% designed, installed, and run by volunteers since 1965

·      Bromyard Christmas Lights Association Ltd, a not-for-profit

·      Roger Wilkins has over 50 years’ service to the organisation

·      He started as a 14-year-old, with his father who moved to Bromyard as manager of the National Provincial Bank in 1967

·      There are some third-generation volunteers within the Light Brigade

·      2011 recipients of Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

·      In 1973 with the reduced working week due to the Miners' Strike, Christmas lights were banned, so they bought in a generator driven by a Fordson Super Dexter tractor from a local farmer

·      From wobbly ladders to a jib on a tow truck, to cherry pickers, health and safety has evolved

·      They found unwanted lighting equipment from all parts, and regularly source and liaise with the Blackpool Illuminations

·      Every year they have developed and upgraded their system, including their cabling, and have incorporated computer control

·      They even design their own installations such as Star, Robin, Snowman, Crown, Cracker and ‘Merry Christmas Bromyard’

·      Everything is low energy

·      Individuals and local businesses donate funds, the council pays for insurance

·      The lights draw large numbers of people

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Editors notes

Please contact Rachel@niftycomms.com to arrange visiting the lights, meeting the Mayor and interviewing Roger Wilkinson or another member of the Bromyard Lights Brigade.

Mulled wine and mince pie can be included!