Volunteers wanted to put sparkle into Cockfield's festive lights

THE committee responsible for Cockfield’s dazzling festive lights display is appealing for more volunteers to join the group.
There are currently six committee members – however, some who had planned to step down have decided to carry on until new recruits come forward.
The Cockfield Christmas Lights Committee was formed in 2002 and in addition to organising the displays each December holds a number of fundraising and other community events in the village.
Each year, the group must raise between £3,500 and £4,000 to cover the cost of erecting and taking down the lights.
Any extra money raised is spent on new displays.
Chairman Christine Watters said: “For the last two years, we have been replacing motifs that have been there since 2002.
“We are now concentrating on lights for the trees.”
Mrs Watters said ideally, an extra two or three committee members were needed to help out.
Regular coffee mornings to help raise funds are held, along with a Strawberry Tea in July and a Christmas Fair at the village school later in the year. There is also a house-to-house collection, monthly lottery, quiz and race nights to organise.
The lights committee also arranges a tea party for the village’s elderly.
“We are hoping to do a sponsored walk this year and also thinking about a fashion show,” said Mrs Watters.
“This is why we need more people. It’s a lot of events for a small group to organise and you do run out of ideas.”
She added: “We do get an enormous amount of support from the village and Cockfield is now quite well known for its Christmas lights.”
Since launching the search for new committee members, Mrs Watters said one prospective volunteer had come forward, which was a good start.
Anyone interested in joining the committee or who requires further information should contact Mrs Watters on 01388 710141.