Topic ID 2221
When are the town 2006 Christmas decorations being put up? Now that Wiggintons has left the corner of St Andrew Street, I suppose we will no longer have the wonderful nodding reindeer.
Reply ID 30533
If enough local shops/businesses have donated money to the town council we might be in for some new lights/decorations this year!
Reply ID 30551
quote:It would be a great shame if they were not re-homed within Old Cross. I used to enjoy going through the town because of them!
Originally posted by Ray_by_the_Beane
Now that Wiggintons has left the corner of St Andrew Street, I suppose we will no longer have the wonderful nodding reindeer.
Reply ID 30556
quote:I thought 'the town' had only recently acquired new street decorations.
Originally posted by ~Sarah~
If enough local shops/businesses have donated money to the town council we might be in for some new lights/decorations this year!
Reply ID 30573
Lights go up beginning Thursday 16th. The Town council has put in a lot of extra money this year - for new motifs in The Wash and Parliament Square, and extra blue icicles around the library and Salisbury square - but more importantly this year the cost of compliance with the new Code of Practice brought in by the Institute of Lighting Engineers. For the first time we had to apply to highways for a licence to install the lights. It has been a long struggle and defeated many other councils around the country. The official switch on is December 3rd in Salisbury Square - details to follow.
Reply ID 30578
quote:Not sure. All I know is that we were asked to donate at least £25 to go toward new or improvements to the lights and decorations.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:I thought 'the town' had only recently acquired new street decorations.
Originally posted by ~Sarah~
If enough local shops/businesses have donated money to the town council we might be in for some new lights/decorations this year!
Reply ID 30624
The 'new' lights were purchased in 2004 costing aproxiamately £30000. Each year it costs approx £8000 to install, maintain and dismantle. Every year traders ask for more lights in all parts of town - so every year they are asked for funds. In the 5 years I have been involved more letters go out, less money comes in and a greater percentage of the funding comes fom businesses outside the town centre. This year the expenditure is in excess of the £8000 mentioned above but includes new lights and extra costs towards installation and compliance. The question is - who should pay for the Christmas lights. Because if there were none there would be public uproar. And to pre-empt the question the strings of light bulbs that were put up pre-2004 would have been condemmmed by even Ebeneezer Scrooge, let alone the Health & Safety Executive, the Institute of Lighting Engineers and Hertfordshire Highways. Personally and I am biased, everyone should be extremely grateful for the Town Council to undertake this task because as 2003 drew to a close there was no one out there who could have done. And they should be congratulated - the lights are of the highest quality. I know, I helped choose them and they come from the same company that have lit Oxford street and Regent Street.
Reply ID 30649
Its official, the lights where in evidence in fore st last night. Not sure how much the guys got done tho, as i left my chosen hostelry by the rear door, and not the fore street door! wey hey! happy xmas all!
Reply ID 30688
I noticed whilst out yesterday evening, that contractors were erecting Christmas lights in Fore Street. I do think these illuminations are seasonal and do add to the festive feel however I would hope they won't be switched on too soon. We still have a 2 more weeks to go before December. I am also trying to locate the more traditional paper decorations and garlands as Mother has fond memories of these in her younger years. It seems that only the shiny variety exist which are not to everyone's taste. I fear a trip to Harrod's may be required
Reply ID 30689
quote:We also saw the workmen erecting the light rigs last night and have heard that they won't be turned on (by the Mayoress) until the beginning of December, which quite frankly, is early enough. However, with regard to paper decorations - I have seen some similar to those used back in the fifties on a stalls in the markets at Walthamstow and Chrisp Street. I seem to recall recent concerns that were raised about their flammability. Obviously, there may be some stall-holders that take a slacker view with regards to safety concerns in the pursuit of financial gain. With safety issues in mind, you might have a wasted trip to Harrod's Finest Emporium and I would recommend calling them first. Conversely, they may be able to provide paper decorations that comply with all safety requirements. I do hope that you are able to find something to make your Mother's Christmas enjoyable.
Originally posted by Landy
I noticed whilst out yesterday evening, that contractors were erecting Christmas lights in Fore Street. I do think these illuminations are seasonal and do add to the festive feel however I would hope they won't be switched on too soon. We still have a 2 more weeks to go before December. I am also trying to locate the more traditional paper decorations and garlands as Mother has fond memories of these in her younger years. It seems that only the shiny variety exist which are not to everyone's taste. I fear a trip to Harrod's may be required
Reply ID 30734
quote:Eeee! You toffs don't know you're born! When I was a lad we had to make our own decorations. Father would sit us at kitchen table and force us to lick the fish glue on the back of some coloured paper strips, whilst mother would have to turn them into links for making paper chains. Then he would make us attach them to ceiling rose and the four corners of the room with drawing pins. After two days the sticky would dry out from the fierce heat of t' coal fire, they would fall apart and then we would have to start all over again. Later when I became a nasty adolescent I got addicted to "licking the glue", moved on to the hard stuff (Green Shield Stamps). P
Originally posted by Landy
I noticed whilst out yesterday evening, that contractors were erecting Christmas lights in Fore Street. I do think these illuminations are seasonal and do add to the festive feel however I would hope they won't be switched on too soon. We still have a 2 more weeks to go before December. I am also trying to locate the more traditional paper decorations and garlands as Mother has fond memories of these in her younger years. It seems that only the shiny variety exist which are not to everyone's taste. I fear a trip to Harrod's may be required
Reply ID 31450
quote:I understand from one of the guys at Wiggintons that the nodding reindeer are for sale!! They were offered to us. Any takers?
Originally posted by Ray_by_the_Beane
When are the town 2006 Christmas decorations being put up? Now that Wiggintons has left the corner of St Andrew Street, I suppose we will no longer have the wonderful nodding reindeer.
Reply ID 31856
Sad to report that i looked out of my window late last night to catch 2 drunk idiots running away from the Xmas Tree after pulling the lights down!!! [:(!] Now obviously these people are scum of the earth, but I do wonder why the Xmas Tree lights are left on all night? It just seems to be asking for trouble, attracting roaming idiots like retarded moths to a very big flame. A real shame as Salisbury square was looking particually lovely from my window this year, but as always a few selfish idiots have to spoil it for everyone else.[:(]
Reply ID 31865
quote:I noticed there were barriers round it today so hopefully they didn't do too much damage, shame there are so many idiots about who like to spoil it for the majority.
Originally posted by elkiev71
Sad to report that i looked out of my window late last night to catch 2 drunk idiots running away from the Xmas Tree after pulling the lights down!!! [:(!] Now obviously these people are scum of the earth, but I do wonder why the Xmas Tree lights are left on all night? It just seems to be asking for trouble, attracting roaming idiots like retarded moths to a very big flame. A real shame as Salisbury square was looking particually lovely from my window this year, but as always a few selfish idiots have to spoil it for everyone else.[:(]
Reply ID 31867
I just have not got enough space to explain why the tree lights are on all the time. But this is the third year running the tree has been vandalised only hours after being lit. In 2004 the culprits were arrested on the spot by an inspector having been caught in the act by CCTV. That was the third time - other incidents were not reported by the Mercury. Last year the tree was also vandalised. This morning Mick Wentworth and myself done a quick running repair but there are still lights out in the middle section. Elkiev71 thanks for the info. I can't comment any further on this but if you would be kind enough to email me through my profile with a time I would be grateful and can explain off-line bit more of the background at the moment.