CLAIRE Willoughby - Calne's own Mrs Christmas, has launched her annual campaign to encourage residents to 'Light Up Calne for Christmas'.
Claire came up with the idea of 'Light Up Calne for Christmas' back in 2020 when the lantern parade had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic - it was Claire's way to make sure the town still held the magic of Christmas for our younger residents.
The idea is simple, residents are asked to put decorations outside their homes, it doesn't have to be a lot, a string of battery operated lights or some baubles, or go big and make a real display. All homes wanting to join in, can send their addresses to Calne News to be added to a map so residents know where to look for a little sparkle.
Since that first year, it has become increasingly apparent that the Light Up Calne scheme has become a valuable event to those with children who have ASD. The town council event is a huge celebration and crowds flock to the centre to see the Christmas entertainment and join in a big countdown to the light switch on, followed by fireworks and music - but it isn't suitabe for all.
Claire told us: "I will have my lights and 8ft inflatables up on 16th November at 5.30pm. I'm not asking for Calne's version of Oxford Street, anything to put a smile on people's faces that have or are going through a rough time."
This year, Claire's light trail will be extra special as she is doing it for little Amelia Bolter.
Amelia was only 1 in June 2022 when her mum, Jodie, took her to the doctors with a suspected ear infection. At the appointment, the doctor noticed Amelia had an 'extremely high heart rate' and she was rushed to Royal United Hospital in Bath with suspected bronchitis. From there, she was transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Over the next four months, Amelia's condition slowly deteriorated and eventually the family were told she needed to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), 100 miles away from their home in Chippenham, to be placed on a Berlin heart to help her heart cope whilst she waited for a transplant.
Amelia spent 14 months waiting for her transplant, which her family call her 'gift of life', and is now on the road to recovery. This will be her first proper Christmas where she can see the lights for herself.
If you would like to take part in Light Up Calne For Christmas 2024 or were already planning on having outside lights and would be happy to be added to the map, please send your address to
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