The organisers of Haddenham Festive Trail would like to thank everyone who took part and/or supported this community event. The Festive Trail was a joint collaboration in aid of Haddenham Community Junior School PTA and Haddenham Christian Aid, supported by the Christmas Tree Festival and Haddenham Scarecrow Festival.
Despite December's wet, windy weather and Tier 4 restrictions, the spectacular lights and displays shone brightly and spread great joy throughout the village. Here what some people said:
"Well done to all the families who worked so hard on their lights and everyone involved in the organisation of the trail. Like the Scarecrow Festival, it gave a focus to walking around the village during the darkest time of the year and enabled socially distanced chats en route.
Referring to one display in particular, one person said: "Their single colour display provides the casual observer with a variety of shapes as well as tells more about the house and its garden".
"Thank you for organising a brilliant light festival...here's to next year!!"
Residents were given the opportunity to vote for their 3 favourites and having counted and verified the votes, we are delighted to announce the results:
The most popular entry was the Santa's Campervan, located in Wykeham Way. Creator, Sarah Edwards said: "Our little campervan normally only comes out in the summer but it was lots of fun lighting it up for Christmas. It took a lot of gaffa tape, tie wraps and 17 trips to Robert Dyas. Poor Santa got quite steamed up in there but it makes it all worthwhile if so many people enjoyed it!".
The second favourite was O Holy Night, in Rudds Lane, by the Brackley-Brighouse family. Lucy told us: "This was a joint effort between 3 year old Daphne and her Grampy. Daphne played Mary in her preschool nativity so was very excited to create her own scene at home for everyone to see. She most enjoyed hammering the nails in to create the stable structure, and spraying the silhouettes gold. We hope that all those who passed by enjoyed the scene and felt the hope of Christmas". One person who voted said: "Love the manger and the music".
Haddenham's third favourite was A little bit of Christmas Magic in Printers Piece, created by the Harding family. Fiona Harding said "Families who live in our road tell us they love seeing the Christmas lights, so we decorated the whole house and organised a socially distanced switch-on with refreshments, especially for the little children. I hope the Trail happens again next year!".
The organisers are very grateful to Haddenham Garden Centre and other individuals for generously donating prizes for the top 3 entries.
All 162 displays, large or small were fantastic, but a few popular entries deserve a special mention. These are:
4th – 'The Core' at Haddenham Community Orchard, Townsend: "very peaceful"
5th – 'Mr Dragon's Party' on corner of Dragontail and Churchway
6th – 'Jordan's Illuminations' in Longwall (see note below)
7th – 'The Red House Lanterns' in Rudds Lane
8th – Ditch Furlong's snowman and lights display in Rosemary Lane
9th – 'Haddenham, a Walking and Cycling Village' in Flint Street
10th – 'Natural Foliage Wreaths' at The Dove House, High Street
In addition to casting votes, many people commented on the "magical" feel and wonderful community effort of the lights set up collectively by residents in Longwall, which although not an official entry, was very much appreciated by all. One person told us: "I think there should also be a prize for the best street display and that should go to Long Wall which looked fabulous!". Perhaps we will include a collaborative community award next year?! All those listed above will be receiving a Certificate of Appreciation and Merit.
The final amount raised has yet to be finalised, but we expect it to be over £1000, which will be divided equally between Haddenham Junior School PTA and Haddenham Christian Aid. Any final donations are very welcome and can be made as follows:
Via our fundraising page
By bank transfer to HCJS PTA Sort Code: 30-90-38, Account No: 00330739, reference: Trail
By cheque, made payable to 'Christian Aid' to 6 Long Furlong, Haddenham, HP17 8DQ
Happy New Year from the Festive Trail!
Francesca Flaxton
2nd January 2021
On behalf of the Festive Trail Team: Mary, Cassy, Sharon, Caroline and Lucy
