The Merlin Close musical Christmas lights are back for the 2024 festive season. Bigger and better with new songs and a few new decorations as we hope to improve on last year’s fantastic fundraising total!

Once again we’re supporting Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the critical services they provide in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

We were motivated to support Rosemere last year as a thank-you for the expert and compassionate care my wife Tracey received in 2023. Through talking to those who came to see the lights we quickly realised just how many people already had a Rosemere connection and what an important role they play in our community.

One of the people we were fortunate enough to meet last December was Janet Ashley, a Rosemere veteran herself, and through this connection we quickly grew very fond of Jan and her husband Al, as I’m sure anybody who knows them would agree, it’s impossible not to do! We were lucky enough to spend time getting to know them on a number of occasions through the first half of the 2024 and we always felt blessed to be with and talk to Jan (usually about school of course) impressed by the way she approached her illness.

The harsh reality is that sometimes, even with all the latest research, the very best medical care and all the love in the world, a positive cancer outcome is just not possible. Sadly, Jan lost her battle with secondary breast cancer this September and we find ourselves mourning a friend we wish we'd been able to share more time with. So this year our Rosemere fundraising will be in Jan’s memory.

As mentioned, we only knew Jan for a short time so we’re definitely not qualified to talk about her life beyond being a Heapey neighbour, a good friend and a lovely, lovely lady. We would urge you to read the tribute Mark Speakman made at Jan’s funeral by following the link below. Mark is the headteacher at St. John’s School in Pemberton where Jan devoted 35 years to educating and caring for multiple generations of children attending the school. She continued to support the school and the children after her retirement, right up until a few weeks before her passing. Mark’s words will give you a real insight into who Jan was.

Jan Ashley Tribute (Mark Speakman)

Whilst we remember Jan, we hope the lights can bring a positive message fitting for the time of year. We’d love the show to be a focal point for our community, for making new connections and renewing old. If you come to see the lights, please don't be shy, introduce yourselves to us and to each another - after all you’re going to be stuck outside for a while anyway so take the opportunity to catch up.

If you know Tracey and I, knew Jan in any way, have a connection to Rosemere, live around Heapey or just like Christmas lights then you’re part of our community and you’re very welcome to visit and watch the show (and please make a small donation to Rosemere 🙂). We all need a bit of extra support from time to time, so let’s make the effort.

The show will play at 7:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December (giving my neighbours a rest through the week).

Feel free to post a memory of Jan or feedback on the lights when donating.

If you'd like a preview before deciding if it's worth braving the weather, here's most of this years new tunes.

Christmas Playlist

Party Playlist

Kids

Happy Christmas, Tracey & Dave xxx