CHRISTMAS is already on the agenda for a group of residents and business owners in Bude who hope to make ‘every shop front and plain wall in town sparkle’ come December, writes Ryan Cox.

The newly formed ‘Light Up Bude’ group recently held its first meeting at the Preston Gate Inn, Poughill, on Saturday week, where they enjoyed wine and nibbles while discussing all things Christmas.

The group aims to get Bude looking festive and bright for December after what was a fairly dull Christmas period around the town as far as lights and decorations were concerned.

The committee is headed by Jools Trotter, Ivyleaf Combe Lodges holiday park owner; Danielle Beetles, landlady at the Preston Gate Inn; Sarah Penny, Four Seasons Florist, and Tom Dawe, owner of Rosie’s Kitchen.

As time goes on they also hope to add more names to the list and really start building momentum with ideas on designs and fundraising plans.

Jools said the first meeting went well despite not being a huge turn-out and those who did go contributed with some really good, positive suggestions.

He added: “We have so many ideas that we want to do this year, such as, three late night shopping days in December, with a large Santa’s Grotto for all of those days with snow machines.

“We would also like to host Bude’s Christmas party, wherein we have a marquee and an outside bar with local bands — three are already on board — and let everyone have a nice party. During the day it will be open for the children with entertainment and the evening for the adults.

“Plus, we want a large ‘Welcome to Bude’ Christmas sign as every small town seems to have one, so why not us!”

More exciting news is that the group plans to bring an undercover ice-skating event to Bude in the build up to the big day. A rink in Launceston town square in December proved popular.

Jools said: “We have already sourced a space, we shall ask a hire company to do the rest. It will be over three days, one evening for the local teenagers and one night for adults, plus an afternoon for toddlers with those little penguins to help them along — as you can tell lots of ideas, I am super excited about!”

The Light Up Bude group also hopes to get primary and secondary schools involved to make sure everyone is excited about the plans and not just adults, even if Christmas was only just a matter of weeks ago.

They plan on contacting Budehaven Art/Design department to run a competition for the group’s logo. The winner will get a small prize and the light will have a plaque with their name on; while the primary schools will be involved in the lanterns and other decorations that will be dotted around town.

Jools and the team had a look at the lights that have been kept at ‘Bude Self Storage’ at Stratton View Business Park, who donated the space for free, to gauge how much fundraising was needed to fix any damaged lights and to buy more.

Jools said: “There are some lovely ones and just putting them up will make a world of difference to the high street. Our aim is to make every shop front and plain wall in town sparkle and we shall be contacting the businesses soon to discuss this.

“We shall be starting fundraising this week, with some money pots going into local businesses, plus we have asked the Blanchminster Trust, the local council and community chest for help, in terms of grants etc.”

To get the ball rolling, the group will be holding a quiz night at the Preston Gate Inn in February or March.

To keep up to date with the progress of the group, follow its Facebook page ‘Lightupbude’ or contact Jools on 07702 484901