downsmail.co.uk


News Thousands throng to switch-on


THOUSANDS of people – young and old – descended on West Malling to see the big Christmas lights switch-on. The fun-filled day ran from11am


until 6.30pm on Sunday, Novem- ber 19 and organisers described it as the “biggest event yet” for the town. There was lots of entertainment,


includingVexx Entertainment,who had a huge stage in theHigh Street, the Rock Choir, local schools, live reindeer and an ice rink. Julia Smith, of West Malling


Chamber of Commerce, was ec- staticwith howthe day developed.


“Christmas has officially started


in West Malling,” she said. “We were thrilled with how the day went. “The weather did help, but there


was a great spirit all through the town. Pretty much all day, the town centrewas full. “One young girl’smumcame up


to us and said that her daughter had thought it was Christmas Day – itwas that Christmassy.” The lights were turned on by


Penny Nicholls from Age Concern West Malling, although she did have some assistance from Olaf fromFrozen.


But Mrs Smith felt it was impor-


tant that the charity were able to take centre stage on the day. “We started a trend last year


when we had our road sweeper turn on the lights,” she said. “So when we came round to deciding who would do it this year, we thought we’d rather give a charity the opportunity than a minor celebrity. “They provide a huge support to


the surrounding community. Their dedication in helping the local aging community is fantastic. “They had collection boxes all


around the town aswell, and itwas fantastic that they could be in- volved.” The day has been in the planning


since June, and after a short rest, thoughts will soon turn to next year. “We’ll have a debrief in a few


weeks,”Mrs Smith said. “And then we’ll start to think about next year! “It is themain event that we – as


a chamber – organise and it’s grown and grown. Iwouldn’t even like to say how many people came to see us during the day, but it’s definitely in the thousands. “Expectations are quite high, but


Crowds inWestMalling get in the spirit for amerry start to Christmas


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Malling December 2017 3


we just try and put on an event that lots of peoplewill enjoy.”


A wonderland of


window dressing AS part of the festivities, therewas also the usual festivewindowcom- petition. The winner of the large window


contest was the Post Office for their balloon Christmas tree effort and the commemorative shield was collected by Harj Handa and his daughter Ria Handa. And the small window was won


YMCA Calling 16-18 year olds 130mm x 88mm ol.pdf 1 13/11/2017 15:07


by the Chocolate Umbrella for their suitably festive display in- cluding a dolls house.


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