Christmas cheer comes to villages

Beadnell came aglow in festive fashion last Friday. There was a church service and carols at St Ebba’s, followed by the switch-on at the Bullring.

Siblings George and Abigail Graham, whose family have lived in Beadnell for more than 200 years, did the honours. Father Christmas made an appearance and there was a well-attended social hour at the WI, where free refreshments were provided by the Beadnell Community Volunteers and WI members.

Wooler’s lights were turned on on the same night. Wooler Ukulele Group performed, while Santa made a visit courtesy of Alnwick Lions Club.

The charitable group also brought Santa and his sleigh to Alnmouth’s switch-on ceremony on Saturday. The Christmas lights were turned on by youngsters Max Kearns, Jenny Jobling-Purser, Reuben Chapple and Alex Eccleston.

Hadston’s festivities also took place last Saturday. The event was attended by Northumberland County Council’s Civic Head, Coun Alan Sambrook, while Peggy Tinning, who is a resident at the village’s Heatherdale Residential Care Home and turns 100 this weekend, and Hazelmead Residential Care Home resident Marianne Coulter, switched on the lights.

This Sunday coming, Longhoughton is holding its Christmas tree and lights festival.

The switch on takes place at 4pm at St Peter and St Paul Church.

There will also be a Nativity trail through the village, ending at Westfield Park, where, from 5pm, there will be community carol singing and refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine.

There will be a prize for the best village Christmas tree and light display.