Claire Willoughby, affectionately known as Calne's own Mrs. Christmas, is facing a difficult holiday season after the recent destructive winds of Storm Darragh left her home in disarray.
The storm not only blew down her fences but also took with it the cherished Christmas light display she established to spread festive cheer in the community.
Living in Stokes Croft, Claire first sparked the idea of ‘Light Up Calne for Christmas’ in 2020, amidst the cancellation of the town's lantern parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to ensure that the magic of Christmas continued for the town’s younger residents, encouraging families to decorate their homes with festive lights and ornaments, no matter the scale.
Since its inception, the project has grown in popularity, becoming a treasured event, especially for families with children on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering them a sense of joy and community during the festive season.
However, Claire now finds herself in a challenging predicament. As a full-time carer for her husband, she struggles to afford the necessary repairs to her property following the storm’s damage. When she reached out to Green Square Accord regarding her front and boundary fences, she was informed that the housing association no longer covers fence repairs, deeming them the responsibility of the tenant.
Faced with an estimated bill of over £750 for the replacement, Claire feels disheartened. "To be honest, I feel like I've let everyone down with the Christmas lights," she told us. “There are no lights to look at if they follow the map to my house.”
While she navigates the challenges of repair and recovery, the spirit of 'Light Up Calne for Christmas' continues to shine brightly in the hearts of many, with hopes that Claire’s festive spirit will soon be restored. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to come together to support Claire in her time of need, ensuring that Calne remains a place of joy and celebration this holiday season.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com or contact us here.
