West End sparkles
This Christmas a sprinkle of sparkle was seen dotted around the West End. Simple, warm white festoon lighting was draped along Yorkshire Street, and trees on Albert Rd were wrapped in warm white string lights, all lit up for December and the darkest hours of wintertime. Did you see them?
A dedicated effort was undertaken by community groups working in partnership to create some festive lighting in the West End. This involved West End Community Partnership, More Music, West End Million and local traders working together.
Thanks to funding from West End Million, £3000 worth of new lights were purchased for the West End Community Partnership. These lights lit up Yorkshire Street and Albert Rd. The lights are not only for Christmas but are a resource for future community events. Without this funding, no lights would have been possible at all for 2017, so, thanks to West End Million for the support and investment. Looking forward to working together in the future.
Through this endeavour, good working relationships have been built between community organisations and it demonstrates the potential of working in partnership across the West End. Resources are low across voluntary, charity and community organisations but that doesn’t mean hopes can’t be high. It’s about finding ways to work better together.
Huge thanks to M J Catterall Electrical Installers, particularly Simon Foster and his team for their time, expertise and patience in offering support for this community-generated project. Thanks also to local specialists, Bill Moore Lifting Tackle Ltd & Stuart Staig of Northern Access UK for their invaluable professional services all donated free of charge.
Thanks also to the West End traders that made it possible to light the trees up on Albert Rd; Trish, Wayne & Ray at Parties Rule, Howard at Just 4 U and Kevin and team at Atikinson’s Chip Shop. Thanks also to other local traders that personally donated funds towards the project.
The group also ran a new ‘Christmas Windows Competition’ for participation by local shops. This encouraged businesses to decorate their windows with festive lighting and displays and was voted for by customers and the public. The winner was Jose Parr for her window at ‘The Golden Teapot’ on Regent Rd. The prize was a lovely trophy which will be passed on each year and free advertising in More Together magazine which reaches 5000 homes and businesses across the West End. Congratulations Jose!
If you have skills or services you can offer, or could provide some form of sponsorship, please do get in touch at westendtraders01@gmail.com or message via the Facebook page at ‘West End Community Partnership Morecambe’. We are already thinking about plans for 2018!
