A Poem by Rosalyn Cook
Let me retell the story behind Angarrack’s enchanting Christmas lights,
How Joan and June dreamt of brightening up those long, mid-winter nights.
Passionate about Christmas, they traditionally jam-packed their homes with decorations.
Ceilings draped with paperchains and tinsel galore, all part of their annual preparations.
They’d have cassette tapes playing seasonal tunes, for one and all to hear,
Happily encouraging everyone to join in their sing-songs and spread the Christmas cheer.
The friends were thrilled and inspired whilst visiting a nearby festive town.
Instigators Joan Cook and June Barrett schemed and wrote it all down,
Both determined to bring the magic of Christmas alive to their home village.
The founders devised a plan to go forth and watch that image.
It would start with a simple string of multi-coloured filament bulbs.
Angarrack’s valley was deep, hills ready for their display to unfold.
The ladies used their own small savings and without grumble,
For they were Christian folk, hard-working and most humble.
A committee was formed and Joan agreed to become a lifelong member,
All above board, safety checked and ready by December.
The first feature was an enormous sculpture, chicken wire shaped into a Christmas tree,
Set up in a field, high up the hill and illuminated for all to see.
Secondly was a bell light, seemingly ringing with it flashing from side to side,
It was mighty impressive, placed in the heart of the village and hung with considerable pride.
Angarrack Inn would host the lights’ grand switch on, it became a major event.
Pirate FM or Radio Cornwall would attend to make a live announcement.
Chanting the countdown was so much fun and impeccable to be on time,
Instantaneously the entire village shone, transformed into it’s prime.
Word got out, the glowing of Angarrack’s Christmas lights could be spotted from far away.
Santa Claus caught wind and promptly dropped by on his famous sleigh.
Merrily sounding his bell, he greeted the crowd with a jolly “Ho ho ho!”
The children gathered around his grotto, eager to meet their favourite fellow.
Every year the resident craftsmen produced at least one new expert figure.
Their characters were mounted on donated frames from old Christmas display lights,
Brought back to life with their own designs, the most incredible, vibrant sights.
Santa, snowmen, angels and stars to name just a few,
But the vast costs of maintaining it all substantially grew.
They needed to raise money, then suddenly, as quick as a flash.
There was the idea of stalls selling, turning items into cash.
Bric-a-brac or similar, the villagers could make or donate.
Perhaps the most popular, of-course, being fresh homemade cake.
Joan would document costs and sales, each transaction carefully noted,
She was full of Christmas spirit, enthusiastic and totally devoted.
Family, friends, and neighbours assisted, busily rallying around,
All wanting to help boost the funds, the pounds had to be found.
Easter duck races, fetes and barbecues were held in the pub’s car park,
Summer dances with bands in a field, trading food and drink until gone dark.
Owing to the loyal support of the close-knit community, through the whole process,
Angarrack became a magnificent Christmas wonderland, an outstanding success.
Dearest June passed away prematurely, she was so greatly missed,
Joan, however, was fortunate enough to witness their goal accomplished.
There’s scenes from the Nativity and the Twelve Days of Christmas, to celebrate Jesus’ birth,
Plus, each and every one of Santa’s reindeer, ready for spectators to unearth.
Many thanks to all the volunteers and helpers back then and still now
And especially to Joan and June who made it all happen after making their vow.
In loving memory of Joan Cook, 1925 – 2018 and June Barrett, 1941 – 2000
The founders of Angarrack Christmas Lights.
