History of Chatteris Christmas Lights
Established in 1985

In 2010 the Switch-on of Chatteris Christmas Lights was the 25th since they were officially established and some of the founding members were brought together to take part again. We took this opportunity to begin to collect some reminiscences.

The very first Xmas lights to appear in Chatteris, starting the Xmas committee rolling, were provided by G A Payne. Dr W Watson  provided the power for them, illuminating the then grand horse chestnut tree in front of the church. Amongst the founding committee were a number of local businessmen, some now retired, but others who are still prominent in the town:

John Chambers; Mark Edgley; Liz Graves; Swales Hammond; Steve James; Robert Mandley; Alan Melton; Peter Murphy; David Payne & Graham Saberton.

The lighting display expanded around the town and the first switch-on started with several committee members placed in strategic spots armed with radios waiting for the call to switch on 13A sockets plugged into numerous plug in time clocks. Much of the display was erected from ladders supplemented later by a telehandler. 

Most of the wooden backgrounds to many of the wall fittings, which have been a major feature of the display, were constructed by Graham Saberton.

About 90% of the hard wiring on the scheme was  wired by Paynes Electrical Contractors with materials always provided at cost.  
In family tradition David Payne’s sister, Rachel Grant, was Treasurer for 15 years.fulfilled the role for 10 years

In recent years Robert Smith has been a staunch supporter, manufacturing many of the brackets and fixings required and for 14 years supplied and drove his telehandler throughout the erection campaign, that role was then taken on by David Jackson of Jackson Transport who fulfilled the role for 10 years.

The lights have been a great success story from the outset, and with well deserved support from the community, will continue to be so. Volunteers, Donors and Fund Raisers are always needed so, to be part of that support, Click on the link below.