Little Common gets switched on

LITTLE Common's 20ft Christmas tree sparkled into life in a switch-on ceremony marking the launch of the village shopping initiative.

With perfect timing, celebrations were completed just before the weather broke bringing heavy rain.

Hardy souls braved a biting wind to share the spirit of the occasion as a large group of choristers from Little Common School formed up on the forecourt of St Martha's Church.

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Boosted by members of the band of Little Common branch of the Royal British Legion, as darkness gathered the youngsters led the company in the singing of a selection of favourite carols. Members of Little Common Business Association brought trays of mince pies around the company as the singing progressed.

Father Christmas was a welcome visitor whose appearance was greeted with waves and smiles from the children.

Later, the jolly old fellow could be seen at the centre of a throng of eager children as he handed out sweets as a reward for their efforts.

Winter tried to have the last word when an icy blast swept across the company as the band struck up its finale, We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

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The company then made its way down Cooden Sea Road to the roundabout, at the centre of which stand the carefully-decorated tree.

The band took up a new position on the island for the final act of the annual ceremony, made possible by the fund-raising efforts of traders who make up Little Common Business Association and whose principle effort of the year is the summer country fair in the gardens of the Wheatsheaf Inn.

Introduced over the roar of the ever-swirling traffic by Little Common Business Association chairman Jo Clarke, town MP Greg Barker, who was accompanied by his wife Celeste, performed the switch-on ceremony.

Santa watched and passing motorists tooted their Christmas greetings as the MP called out "Happy Christmas, Little Common!" and cascades of lights lit the tree.

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