Auction raises £2,000 for Tiverton Christmas lights (From Mid Devon Star)

Auction raises £2,000 for Tiverton Christmas lights

5:51pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in News

AN auction to raise money for Tiverton’s Christmas lights has raised an impressive £2,000.

The town’s Christmas lights committee held a fundraising dinner and an auction run by auctioneer Stafford Sampson at the Best Western Hotel recently.

Prizes were donated by businesses from around the area, including a family Second World War sleepover at the Tiverton Museum, a champagne dinner and bed and breakfast at the Hartnoll Hotel, an experience day at Yarak Bird of Prey, a chainsaw and a ton of logs.

A hog roast for 100 people provided by Tiverton’s Hog Father sold for the most money and now will now be used to provide a wedding meal for the winner’s daughter.

A raffle was also held.

Sue Griggs, of the Tiverton Christmas lights committee, said: “The evening was well supported by diverting businesses, councillors and local residents alike all keen to ensure Tiverton has a lights display to be proud of.

“We want something different and spectacular for the town this year and I am hoping that some businesses will come forward to sponsor individual lights displays in the town.”

She went on to explain that while the £2,000 raised may sound like a lot of money, Christmas lights don’t come cheap and the amount they cost would likely surprise most people.

She explained: “For the cost of the lights we are looking at quotes from around £18,000 to £30,000 and of course you can go beyond this. These figures include the supply of the lights and the erection and then dismantling, the switch on night and any maintenance needed while the lights are up.

“If money were no object you could have the most fabulous displays.”

Anyone who wants to help support the Christmas lights committee can email Sue at hs-g@hotmail.co.uk