Christmas lights: Mt Duneed man Ken Bain lights up Cabane Circuit

Mt Duneed’s Ken Bain has lived with severe arthritis for most of his life, but that hasn’t stopped him lighting up his house at Christmas.

Ken Bain has artificial elbows, Rheumatoid arthritis and multiple fused fingers and toes but has still brought Christmas cheer to his Mt Duneed neighbourhood. Picture: Brad Fleet

Mt Duneed Christmas king Ken Bain was born to be a festive angel.

The former music teacher will turn 77 on Christmas Eve and, for the last three years, has been decorating his Cabane Circuit house with thousands of fairy lights.

Mr Bain has artificial elbows, Rheumatoid arthritis and multiple fused fingers and toes – but his ailments haven’t stopped him from spreading festive joy.

He was first diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 38 and had to give up his music and teaching career.

“Today I have many fused fingers, my hands are bent, I’ve had both elbows replaced and numerous operations on my feet,” he said.

“I had metal plates in my feet as well. I’ve pushed through all of that and am able to get around.”

While Mr Bain said it could take him “a while to warm up in the morning”, he said by lunchtime he was usually well enough to go outside.

Mt Duneed man Ken Bain has decorated his house with Christmas lights.

About three years ago, Mr Bain’s wife Maureen noticed a neighbour decorating her house with lights.

“She said ‘we should do the same’,” he said.

A friendly rivalry was started, and now other families in Cabane Circuit have joined in the fun.

Mr Bain said his arthritis made the job of decorating his house with 90 plug-in light sets and multiple inflatable decorations more difficult, but the end result was worth it.

“I’m not one to do things by half measure,” he said.

“I keep adding and improving and it’s got to be pretty big.

“This year it’s even bigger and next year it will be bigger again.”

Every year the street celebrates the lights being switched on with canapes and drinks at Mr Bain’s house.

He also enjoys seeing families walk past to admire the decorations throughout December.

“The kids love it, the parents love it and the dog walkers love it,” he said.

“I’ve received cards saying ‘thanks very much for the display’.

“It brings the neighbourhood together.”

Originally published as Christmas lights: Mt Duneed man Ken Bain lights up Cabane Circuit