After last week’s Carols Round the Village, another Winter’s Eve has come to an end. We can now snuggle down and look forward to Christmas – whether you are a big party animal or a small family get together person or a put up the shutters and enjoy the peace and quiet individual.
There has been some terrific feedback about the activities, especially the pleasure of seeing the look of excitement and joy on the faces of the children of the village when Santa Claus flew in on his sleigh, and the spectacular display of festive lights.
Below is a list of everyone who has played a part in making this year’s Winter’s Eve such a success. The list demonstrates that so many villagers and friends of the village pull together tirelessly and willingly to make St Hilary such an interesting place to live.
Lights
Installation team: Neil Warnock, Merv Evans, Ewart Schofield, Tash and Mark Hamilton-Ash, Will Hall, Vicky Phillips, Jeff Lewis and Mason, Tim Neudegg, Kevin Wilkinson, Andy Bateson, Terry Dennis
Additional lighting: Tash and Mark Hamilton-Ash
Lineman: Charlie Bithell
Sweets: Monica Dennis
Telephone box electricity supply: Jane and Charles Williams
Village electricity supply: Village Hall Committee, St Hilary Church
Church lights and storage: St Hilary Church
Lights switch on
Community singing: Owain Williams
Linemen: Andy Bateson, Neil Warnock
Chocolates and goodies: Monica Dennis
Father Christmas
Santa and his sleigh: Cowbridge Rotary
Children’s Activities
Helen Bithell, Charlie Bithell, Jayne Warnock, Neil Warnock, Lewis Warnock, Owain Williams, Beth Williams
Festive Homes Trail
Bron Y Garn, Darran Las, East Down Farmhouse, Ffynnon Wen, Gardd Y Gegin, Kninkin, Lansdowne, Little Hall Cottage, The Nest, New House, Ochillitree, Old Farm, Old Post Office, Village Farm, Woodside
Carols round the village
Singers: Aled Powys Williams, Kath Roberts, Liz Williams and Rob Young
Sweets: Monica Dennis, Jayne Warnock
Participants
Thank you also to everybody who attended the events – your participation has been crucial in making Winter’s Eve such a success.
Donors
And of course, a massive thank you to everybody who has contributed to the costs of running Winter’s Eve, either in cash or in kind.
The total raised so far is £1,286 - £420 via GoFundMe, £366 in cash and a Magic Little Grant of £500 from Localgiving in partnership with the Postcode Community Trust.
This has funded: new string lights in the weeping birch and around the circle; replacement icicle lights around the village hall and curtain lights for the telephone box; equipment including weatherproof boxes, timers and storage; goodies and hire of the hall for children’s activities; and, Carols around the Village.
It will also help to fund village events and activities in 2023 such as Cut Clear and Clean (3Cs), initiatives in the telephone box and the village insurance.
If haven’t already, you can donate at www.gofundme.com/f/winters-eve2022 - if you prefer to donate by cash or cheque please email
I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Terry
