As Beaconsfield residents embraced Christmas in their front yards, with lights flashing on fences and trees and blow-up characters waving to passersby, very little was acknowledged in public spaces like the shopping precinct and parks. Some time ago councils across many municipalities decided not to continue decorating public arenas, however, they do offer small grants to community organizations who chose to put in an effort to add some Christmas joy around the neighbourhood. These grants cutoff in March each year.
After reading several posts from residents in a local Facebook group, expressing their dismay that the town is not embracing the Christmas spirit, Beaconsfield Progress Association contacted council to see if we could set up a display safely with their approval. After numerous emails it was agreed by both parties to install a small Christmas tree display on the corner of Beaconsfield Emerald Road and Fieldstone Blvd. BPA were too late to ask for a grant from the council to pay for the display, however, it was decided BPA could afford four trees with lighting and bright decorations.
As December approached, council quickly installed four metal posts, so the Christmas trees remained upright. BPA chose the wettest day in December to install and decorate the trees. As rain fell, two kind residents, Yolanda and Jackson, stopped and offered to help. For two hours we endured the weather and just as we finished, it decided to stop raining. For three weeks, the trees endured rain, wind, and hail, often loosing their decorations, only to be replaced by kind passersby. The feedback BPA received was overwhelming with some residents posting photo’s as they enjoyed the display.
We would like to express our gratitude to Samantha from council, for putting in the extra effort to ensure we could get our display up in a very short time. Also, a big thank you to Yolanda and Jackson for stopping and helping us through a difficult time.
Plans are already in motion for next years display. If you would like to be involved, please feel free to contact us and we would love to hear from you.
