Ringing in Christmas

The Rotary Club estimated that as many as 2,000 people attended its Victorian Evening on 6th December.

The annual event to mark the start of the festive season was another success – even with Storm Darragh brewing.

The church bells rang out and seasonal musical accompaniment was provided by the Primary School choir, Shipston Town Band and the Cotswold Choir. After MC Robin Payne invited Shipston Rotary President Fay lvens to welcome everyone, Mayor John Dinnie, accompanied by the Town Crier, Marian Ladd, turned on the Christmas lights and Amit Patel switched on the Rotary Tree of Life.

There was plenty for the children. Father Christmas took time out of his schedule to be in his grotto, Charlotte the stilt walker and the balloon man made shapes out of balloons and the carousel was kept very busy. Huge bubbles floated overhead, catching the light.

Over 35 stalls stretched along the High Street and into Market Place, offering local craft items, tombolas, raffles and games, and there was candy floss, hog roast, hot dogs, and plenty of mulled wine and mince pies.

The shops stayed open late and Shipston Community First Responders displayed their new car.

Shipston Rotary has been organising the evening, one of their main fundraising events, for 24 years. “It involves a lot of work,” says Rotarian Nigel Willis. “But we enjoy doing it and hope it can continue.” “There was a very special atmosphere in our special town,” adds Fay Ivens.