A MELKSHAM family has recently donated the money raised from their renowned Christmas lights display, which draws thousands of visitors every year.
The lights at 1 Longford Road attract attention from the BBC and national newspapers. Last year the Goodhind family collected £17,155 in donations, which was recently given to local charity Dorothy House Hospice Care.
The display is put on by local electrician Alex Goodhind, with the help of volunteers, sponsors, and his family.
Alex’s father, Colin Goodhind said, “We are absolutely delighted with the amount raised! It’s over double what we collected from the previous display in 2012.
“Raising so much money definitely makes it worthwhile. Direct experience of the care and expertise provided by Dorothy House leaves us in no doubt about that.
“It is unlikely the lights will be put on again this year, due to Alex’s work commitments, but hopefully they will return in 2016.
“Alex and everyone who helps make the Christmas lights display at 1 Longford Road such a success would like to thank the people of Melksham for contributing so generously. Grateful thanks also go to the sponsors who helped make the display possible.”
Alex started putting on the lights 20 years ago when he was just 11. In 2012 the display used 600 metres of cable, 70 waterproof connection boxes, two thousand cable ties, 200 metres of steel restraining wire, and around 180, 000 bulbs.
