Shepperton Big Tree Night gets a snow coating

Dec 18 2009 By Adam Courtney

Santa at Shepperton Big Tree Night

HOW fitting the snow had fallen on Shepperton in the hours leading up to last Wednesday's Big Tree Night, which remains the premier festive event in Spelthorne.

With snow, however, comes the bitter cold and sometimes that's enough for people to choose a roaring fire and a mug of cocoa over frozen fingers and mulled wine, especially when the white stuff has turned to freezing rain.

But there were no such worries for the Chamber of Commerce, the organisers, for the borough's souls are hardier than that and, once again, they turned out in their droves for what was the 21^st year of this enduring Christmas get-together.

Once again the hordes were heartened by a belting performance from the Staines Lammas Brass Band and amused by the eccentric commentary of compere Nick Wood-Dow.

Santa, who had made a heartfelt plea to the police through the pages of the Herald to let his sleigh bare a personalised, festive number plate, got his wish and his appearance drew raptures from the hundreds of children.

The chamber, who had won back some brownie points from the public after finding the will the decorate the High Street after last year's black out, were pleased with its event.

Colin Wade said: "Considering the weather, the turnout was excellent, there was probably about 2,000 there.

"Loads of children came out, a lot of councillors turned up and all in all it was as good as ever.

"The High Street looked lovely with all the lights and I want to thank the council for making some money available to allow us to meet costs."

Earlier in the day, Mayor of Spelthorne Caroline Spencer judged the competition to find the best dressed shop and, for the second year in a row, the Queen Elizabeth Foundation came out on top, winning a hamper of produce from Quality Fruit and cava from Somerfield. Beech House vets were second and McAteers opticians came third.