Festivities come to Howwood in village lights switch-on

This year’s Christmas lights on ceremony took place in the Triangle, and was described as one of the most well-attended events to date.

The annual event was run jointly by the Howwood Community Council and community group “How Good Is Howwood?”, which attracted hundreds of spectators.

Villagers were particularly impressed with the lighting display and organisers unveiled the new centrepiece.

And there was another Christmas miracle for the village as the weather held up for the festivities, unlike the previous year which was dampened by a torrential downpour.

Little ones were delighted by a visit from Santa Claus, who rode in on a horse-drawn cart before meeting all the boys and girls who had been good this year.

The party continued afterwards at Midton Bowling Club for a family fun evening of music, Christmas carols and games for the kids.

Lorna Poole, of the How Good is Howwood group, said: “The kids were delighted to see Santa ride in on his horse and there were big queues to see him. Once they reached him, the boys and girls received a gift. It was a big highlight of the event.

“Everyone was impressed with the new Christmas tree too, which we have never had before.

“Father Denis E Carlin, of Christ the King Church, and Rev May Bell, from Howwood Parish Church, also spoke at the event.

“The bowling club was absolutely packed with more than 100 people who got involved in games, karaoke and party fun. We ended up losing a few people that had originally gone to the switch on as they had really young children with them.

“But those who did manage to make it had a fantastic time and some even managed to stay there until past 10pm. Overall it was a fantastic success and probably our biggest event to date.”

Meetings of the Community Council are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 13 – all new members are welcome to attend.