Submitted on
Tuesday 7 December 2010
by
Catherine Tobin
Southwater’s annual Christmas Festival went ahead last Saturday, despite the snow and ice. Events and attractions were moved inside Beeson House, and were a great success. Panto stars from Aladdin in Worthing, Mark “Rhino” Smith and Mark Wingett from“The Bill” braved the severe weather conditions to come and open the event with Father Christmas.
Nearly 200 children visited Father Christmas in his grotto, all receiving a gift and balloon courtesy of Southwater Parish Council. The Library was open all day, with two Story Time sessions. The Community Police Office, was manned by local police officers and volunteers, pleased to show off their facility newly re-located to the ground floor of Beeson House.
There were a variety of stalls, with local groups selling local produce and advertising local services, and Southwater Montessori were kept busy all day, face painting, which proved very popular with local children.
Southwater Youth Club provided Christmas arts and crafts throughout the day, with Tony the Magician entertaining visitors with his balloon creations.
Local bands Madeira Drive and Wishful Thinking played at the local coffee shop No 19, brought in from the cold.
The day was rounded off by a community carol concert around the Christmas tree, with a background of Christmas lights, in Lintot Square. Children were given flickering lanterns, courtesy of the Southwater Community Methodist Church. The short service was led by Rev Kath Jones, assisted by Rev Kesari Godfrey, and chorister Laura Hofton helped the crowds sing along.
The Parish Council, organisers of the Festival, would like to thank all those who had donated time, money and services to make this year a success, despite the weather.