You can never start too early! - Team behind Starbeck's Christmas lights announces packed programme of fundraising events

Organising any community event takes a lot of hard work and commitment from all those involved - and the committee behind Starbeck's Christmas lights is going all-out to make this year's switch-on one to remember, with a packed programme of fundraisers to help make the lights the best they can be.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2018, 12:18 BST
Updated 11th May 2018, 12:21 BST

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Noah Maguire switching on the Starbeck Christmas lights last year.Noah Maguire switching on the Starbeck Christmas lights last year.
Noah Maguire switching on the Starbeck Christmas lights last year.

Despite the various challenges and hurdles that the committee's faced from time to time, in terms of securing enough volunteers to keep it all going, Secretary Chrissie Holmes said all of their planned events will not only boost funding for the lights - but also help to drum up more support and awareness for the Starbeck Christmas Lights Appeal.

From car boots, to table-top sales and a community day, the committee has organised something every month leading up to the switch-on.

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Chrissie said: "I think we have to look forward. Hopefully this year we will make enough money to secure the lights for next year. We want to get the message out there that we're an active committee, we are doing things, and that we're coming up with new ideas."

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One of the biggest events this year will be a community day on June 30, where Starbeck groups, charities and businesses will have stalls at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC to showcase all that the area has to offer.

Chrissie said: "We need to bring people to Starbeck, and show the people of Harrogate what we have got. There are lots of things to to see and do."

Starbeck in Bloom, Starbeck library, St Andrew's Church and Starbeck Methodist Church will be among those welcoming visitors on the day.

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For committee members, their ultimate reward is seeing events like the switch-on come together.

Chrissie said: "For me, my highlight was the Christmas fair last year. We got it together in such a short space of time. And walking down Starbeck high street, seeing all the children looking at the lights getting all excited, that makes it all worth it, it's so rewarding to see that.

"I think people might think that we sit and have stuffy meetings, but it is quite a lot of fun really. You don't need to be involved in every event, it's entirely up to you how much you put into it."

Contact Chrissie to find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities, on 07969823753.

Full list of events:

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May 19th - Car boot sale, 10am-2pm at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC.

June 30 - Starbeck Community Day at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC, 12-4pm.

July 21 - Strawberry fair, 2pm-4.30pm at St. Andrew’s Church. Cream teas served - cakes, biscuits, preserves and country crafts will be available to purchase. Bingo from 4-4.30pm

August 25 - Pub quiz night at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC at 8pm.

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September 15 - Car boot sale, 10am-2pm at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC.

October 13 - Table-top Sale, 11am- 2pm at St. Andrew’s Church. Tea, coffee and cakes served.

November 1 - Launch of Starbeck Christmas Lights Appeal 2018. Envelopes to donate will be posted through doors in Starbeck. Donations can also be made at cafes and shops along the high street.

November 24 - Starbeck Christmas fair, 2pm-6pm at St Andrew's Church. Stalls and a Santa's grotto, with a best dressed Christmas elf or fairy competition. Judging takes place at 3.30pm. Call 07969823753 to find out more about booking a stall. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.

To stay up to date with all the latest news from the committee, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StarbeckGalaLights