Vote for your favourite house on Christmas lights estate
PUBLISHED: 08:18 27 November 2018 | UPDATED: 08:19 27 November 2018

Claire Melton in the doorway of her property in Wood Avens Way neighbourhood annual Christmas lights 2018
Archant
For the past 15 Christmases a group of neighbours have transformed their road into a festive wonderland, raising thousands for charity and keeping community spirit alive on their close-knit roundabout.

nd on Sunday night, the residents of Wood Avens Way roundabout, Wymondham, once again lit up the neighbourhood with their lights switch-on, illuminating all 13 houses in the close.
Two new families were initiated to the decade’s long tradition and joined the other residents in raising a glass of mulled wine to the continuing neighbourhood camaraderie.
Claire Melton, who co-ordinates the lights, said her Christmas could not start until the switch had been flicked.
She said: “The whole place feels so sparkly, you can feel the community spirit.
“The neighbours here are lovely and I think it helps living on a roundabout and not a straight road.
“We all help each other with lights. If someone can’t get up a ladder they get help with that and it just gets better every year.”
Dozens of people gathered Sunday night for the switch-on, but festivities are set to continue in the run-up to Christmas, with carol singing by Creative Singing group on December 22 and live organ music by Peter Williams on Christmas Eve.
Every year the group raises money for a different local charity, but this year said this year’s beneficiary, Star Throwers cancer charity, was particularly close to their hearts.
Earlier this year, a Wood Avens resident was diagnosed with cancer and has been supported by Star Throwers since receiving the news.
Mrs Melton said: “Star Throwers is an amazing charity.
“There’s always someone to talk to and because the centre is in a converted house it doesn’t feel clinical.
“You can go in and cry, scream, chat with other people who know what you’re going through.”

The neighbours have already raised nearly £400 through their online donations page and collection box and Mrs Melton added the support from the public was incredible.
Last year the community raised £2,300 for Pact Animal Sanctuary and Wymondham Dementia Support Group and hope to build on this total by raising £2,500 in 2018.







