Dalveen is lighting up

Christmas lights delight community and visitors at Dalveen

GREAT DISPLAY: Christmas lights shine bright at Dalveen this Christmas. Picture: Glenda Riley photographer

UP the ladder, dragging down the big box of lights, polishing the solar panels, changing the batteries, checking the 240v lights - I am wondering "what I will do this year?”, as I was going through the box and asking myself "Why am I doing this at 5.30am?” one cool morning this week.

Stringing lights, up and down ladders, cursing the cats who insisted on climbing the ladder with me.

"Oh, that's right,” I thought as I heard the laughter and joy of young voices across the road at the school.

"It's Christmas, it's sharing, it's community!”

Dalveen village has had a tradition of a Christmas Lights competition for about 10 years now and it's serious as the Tom Lynam Shield has been prize for best display since 2012.

The competition is sponsored by Action Graphics, the Dalveen Sports Club, and coordinator Karen Steinhardt.

Most years, there are up to six households who enter with a friendly sense of competition to see who can take home the shield.

In past years, entries were received from as far afield as Braeside and Thulimbah.

Judged by the sponsors, there is a category for best first time entry, judges choice and best gateway.

The children of the community are not forgotten, with a shoebox diorama competition for different age groups.

The travellers who stay at Jim Mitchell Park appreciate the effort that goes into making a twinkling, colourful display that embodies the joy of Christmas with a note being left at a residence thanking them for the display.

I asked Karen, "Why have a competition?”.

"It's about community, it's about sharing, and it seemed like a good idea,” she said.

Theresia Vandepal and I go around to Grace and Archie Cameron's place every year to put up their lights now that they are unable to do so themselves.

Cameron's Corner has been a winner on several occasions in past years.

This statement was a reminder to how fortunate I am to live in this friendly community of people who enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing and caring for their neighbours and friends.

The winners of the competition are announced at the annual Christmas Tree, run by the local CWA ladies.

Now in its 94th year, this event has changed from a formal sit-down meal with gifts made by the ladies and distributed to the local children, to a more casual barbecue and gifts donated and made by the CWA to the 41 children who registered this year.

For many years, Archie Cameron sourced, cut down and transported the Christmas tree that is decorated by the local children on the Friday night before the event.

Now the local Rural Fire Brigade does the honour as they continue the tradition of bringing joy and sharing to the community.

With a visit from Santa, sharing a meal, appreciating the excitement and laughter of child and adult alike, as the winners are announced, it's a highly anticipated event on the Dalveen social calendar. A mud map of where the light displays are will be posted on the Post Office Community Board.

Originally published as Dalveen is lighting up