Santa in Stanhope. Photo by Lee Crowther.
ALL over the Dale, Christmas festivities have kickstarted Advent.
From Fir Tree and Harperley and all the way up the Dale, events have been organised by hardworking volunteers to signal the beginning of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. They have all been ceremonial lights switch on and often Father Christmas has made an appearance too.
Frosterley held their own event too, switching on the lights on the village green.
In Stanhope, the occasion was doubled with craft and charity stalls in the Bonny Moorhen from mid-afternoon culminating in the Switch On, courtesy of Lee Crowther who runs electrical company ITS. He gave his time and expertise for free during the complicated preparations for the event.
Inside the doorway of St Thomas church, Santa was waiting with gifts for the children and all the while, Stanhope Silver Band played Carols to the delight of the crowd. The tree had been decorated by baubles made by local schoolchildren The fundraising group has been working and raising awareness of the event throughout the year and their efforts are much appreciated.
Photo credit: David Grey.
In Eastgate, the following night, the annual, long-standing celebrations began with a family party in the church. It ended when Santa Claus led the children down the road from the hall to the Cross Keys where one lucky child was given the honour of pressing the switch. The ensuing light show could probably be seen from the moon and meanwhile, the Nativity scene was quietly present in the bus shelter.
At Rookhope, the lights switch-on was carried out by villager, Mark Bowman – Rookhope born and bred. Afterwards, seasonal refreshments were served in the former school now known as the Rookhope Business Centre. Everyone who attended was also able to see the official unveiling of the memorial bench to Paul McCain who sadly died last Summer.
Clem O’Donovan at Rookhope, paying tribute to Paul McCain.
All-in-all, Weardale celebrated Advent exceedingly well with the hard work of the many volunteers being appreciated by the public.
Check out the Weardale Pulpit page for information about Christmas church services around the Dale.
Photo credit: David Grey.
Photo Credit: David Grey.
