A COMMUNITY in Shinfield is set to continue its annual tradition of lighting up its street in aid of charity.
Maybank, Shinfield Meadows, has joined together to light up the street with Christmas decorations for the last six years.
Residents collaborate to decorate the street and provide methods of those coming to view the lights with methods of donating to charities over the festive period.
This year’s event is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Research and the NSPCC
Liam Murray, one of the organisers, said: “Each household contributes a bit of money to support the hiring of the cherry picker.
“And then the money we’ve got leftover we put into the charity pot or split the amount between the charities “Then the Christmas committee spends the best part of three days in the cherry picker, no matter what the weather outside installing lights on all the houses.”
This year, around 30 houses are set to take part, decorated over three days.
“Last year, we had this switch on the Sunday and we were still installing houses’ lights on Sunday morning, which we did over two-and-a- half days.
“So it’s an amazing thing to see the evolution of the Christmas lights, just brilliant.”
The community will work together to install the decorations, with a big switch-on event set to take place in Maybank on Saturday, December 3 – the date has been brought forward 24 hours.
“I think it’s probably become more important over the last couple of years because obviously there were challenges with COVID.
“A lot of people felt isolated and alone, and it was something that none of us had really experienced before.”
This year’s event also saw uncertainty with regards to the cost of goods and energy rising.
“Even this year,” Mr Murray said, “we sent out a poll to all of the community and said look, we’re very much aware that the cost of living crisis, especially energy bills, is hitting.
“But it was pretty much unanimous that everyone said ‘yeah, we want to,’ because the spirit and the feeling that it creates and the money that we raised for charities is more than worth it.
“It gives you a really clear overview of what a great community spirit that we have within Maybank.”
This year’s event has been sponsored by a number of local businesses to help the community raise funds for its chosen charities.
One of them is Dan & Neil Estate Agents, Avocado Property partners, said: “Neil and I have grown up in Shinfield and it is where we started our own business.
“The community we serve has supported us so much over the years and we always look for opportunities to give back.
“Whether that be using our social media platform to provide exposure to local independent businesses, include local businesses in our overall service package, or sponsor a community who spread Chrismas cheer and raise lots of money with their awesome Christmas lights display.
“The lights and magic of the Maybank Christmas lights caught our eye over two years ago and we have been involved in helping promote and sponsor the lights ever since.”
They have offered free services to a seller in exchange for a donation to one of the charities.
“Neil and I want to match the passion and love of this small community in Shinfield and therefore, we would like to offer our services to a local family looking to move next year, for completely free.
“Yes, 100% free, as we will take on the costs ourselves.”
“In return, the chosen seller can pay what they feel we are worth and we will donate the full amount to one of Maybank’s chosen charities.”
Fullbrooks Window Cleaning is also among them, having said: “We at Fullbrooks Window Cleaning have chosen to sponsor the Maybank Christmas light display 2022 as we have a lot of customers in Maybank.
“We love the fact they put so much effort into creating a spectacular display and fundraising for charities each year.
“We feel it’s important to recognise this effort and give something back and support good causes.”
It has also been sponsored by Dobbies Garden Centres, Sunbelt Rentals & Vinci Plant, and 2Drones Photography.
Liam Murray concluded, saying: “We do it for the kids, we do it for the community, and for the feeling of community.”
