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Bobbie Brown’s Christmas zoo in Ashmore Crescent.
Bobbie Brown says at 73 she probably should not be climbing ladders to install the lights.
Although many traditional festive events have been cancelled due to Covid-19, the Christmas light displays around Ashmore Crescent, Warkworth, are getting bigger and better.
After some radical gardening, Brian Oakes’ home, at number 31, has more space to show off the area’s largest Christmas light and music show.
“Last year, there were more than 30,000 lights and I’ve just bought a load more this year,” he says.
It takes Brian a month to set up the annual spectacular, which is computer controlled to synchronise the lights with a music soundtrack.
While checking out Brian’s place, visitors should also take a look at the illuminations at the home of Robin and Bobbie Brown, at number 36, and those of John and Faye Peel, round the corner at 37 Northwood Close.
Bobbie admits that at 73 she should probably not be climbing ladders to install the decorations, but can’t help herself.
“We don’t have children of our own, so it’s always the greatest pleasure for me to see the children come by and enjoy the display,” she says.
She calls her display “a Christmas zoo” because of all the animals, which include a flamingo, giraffe, reindeer, penguins, kiwi and a peacock.
Bobbie says the animals seem to have the greatest appeal to children and she has long ceased to worry whether they are especially related to Christmas.
Bobbie says others in the street are also amassing masses of illuminated decorations, with the prospect that Ashmore Crescent is going to get even brighter in years to come.
The Christmas light displays run nightly from around 8.30pm until late. There is no charge, but Brian Oakes gratefully accepts donations for Hospice.
