It may only be November, but Christmas preparations are in full swing for lots of RH10 residents. None more so than members of Crawley Down’s Christmas Lights Association, who have been fundraising to raise over the £2,000 needed, throughout the year, to ensure that the village is lit up in truly, festive fashion.

Over the last twelve months, hardworking Crawley Down residents; John Sullivan, Michael Barter, Mike Cole, Mike Lavender and Peter Smith have raised funds through applying for grants and running the coconut shy at the Crawley Down Village Fayre, to continue the longstanding tradition of illuminating the village for Christmas. They have also been very busy, individually testing over 550 bulbs!

“Throughout the year, there is a lot of work to do, to ensure the lights will again illuminate throughout December,” John Sullivan, a volunteer from the Association told us. “Supported by the generous donations of villagers, groups and local businesses, we arrange insurance, equipment hire, bulb testing, raffle prizes, fundraising activities, and new equipment purchases. Thankfully, we also have a team of willing volunteers, who kindly give up two Sunday mornings, to help install and remove our display.”

The Crawley Down Christmas Lights Association was created many years ago, by Les Archer and now, thanks to the five committee members, volunteers and power supplied by Worth Parish Council and the village’s pharmacy, the festive lights will once again by switched on, during the Crawley Down Residents Association event on 5th December.

“In recent years, we have extended our display by illuminating the Christmas tree at the bottom of the Village Green, and by replacing over £1,600 of lights in the ash tree outside of the shops,” John continues. “This year, we need to replace some of our ageing equipment, and hopefully refresh the display at the same time. Our predicted spend for this year, exceeds £2,000!”

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to those that have supported us, because without their help, we would not be able to continue illuminating the lights for the benefit of our community,” John adds.

It’s not too late to donate to the village’s Christmas Lights Association, as they’ll be selling raffle tickets (this year’s top prize is a £200 Argos voucher!) outside the shops, every weekend in December, as well as at the Christmas Residents Association event, on the same day as the big switch on.