This year we are once again delighted to be raising money in aid of the Children's Society by decorating our cottage in Hare Street with seasonal Christmas lights.

This year we have chosen the theme of "Woodland Winter Wonderland"

We would very much like to thank everyone who has already sent such wonderful messages of support in recent weeks. Our amazing community of supporters has continued to grow year on year, and last Christmas thanks to the generosity of all those who made a donation we exceeded our £3000 target which was just amazing! Every penny we have raised in recent years has helped young people struggling with poverty, exploitation and mental health challenges, and will make a lasting difference to their lives ensuring their voices are heard and their lives changed for the better enabling them to go on to do wonderful things with hope, courage and resilience.

We would also like to thank those who have assisted myself and Hugh in the many months of planning this year’s Christmas display in particular The Advent Calendar Trail organised by Liz Pickup, Chrissy Withers and the rest of the Newsletter team and finally Hannah Ratcliffe and the wonderful fundraising team at the Children's Society.

As well as making a donation on the link www.justgiving.com/page/harestreetchristmaslights we will also have collection buckets on our front steps as we have done on previous years, and we thank you in advance for anything you can afford to donate, every penny is truly appreciated.

The Children's Society is a national charity that has been going now for over 140 years, working with young people to counsel and support them through their most serious life challenges. It campaigns tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most and won't stop until we've built a society where hope is alive in every child.

Please do share our fundraising efforts on your social media with friends and family if you can and we very much look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for our big switch on at 6pm on Thursday 1st December. We would like to thank Doreen at number 3 Moorfield for allowing us to serve complementary mulled wine and mince pies from her front garden once again this year. In addition, to complement the theme of “Woodland Winter Wonderland” there will be free flashing antlers available for all attendees

Together we can make the future brighter for every child.

Best wishes to you all,

Kevin and Hugh

Japonica Cottage

Hare Street

Buntingford

SG90DZ