Display damage at the far end of the High Street

PRESS RELEASE REGARDING DAMAGE TO LIGHT BULB STRING FROM DE VAL HAIRDRESSERS TO 14 NEWPORT PAGNELL HIGH STREET.

We thank all the media for their stories on Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights. Unfortunately we were misquoted on a few things, so we thought we would put the record straight. Although long, we would appreciate if some if not all of this letter could be printed at your earliest convenience.

Following various explanations of events in the media this week, we only though it was right to inform all affected by this unfortunate accident of the details as known to us. We hope it reads accurately as possible, and we are happy to stand corrected by those on the scene, if they feel we have reported anything inaccurately. Trevor is Acting Secretary and Jackie is Treasurer, not co-coordinator as one newspaper reported. They  are both volunteers, but do still have commitments such as family and work during the day. Despite being the official points of contact, they would like to point out that the only persons that tried to contact them were other volunteers that were called out at the time. This was after the event had been reported to police etc. It is unknown to them as to why they were not contacted by the various authorities and those involved, but they have been assured that they will do in due course for our Insurer’s details. As yet, nobody has bothered to do so, but they do have our details as they have always had done. We would urge them to do so as soon as is possible so that any matters may be finalized. 

Due to the exceptionally high winds on Thursday 8th’s morning (07:15am?), a spring clip holding the lower catenary wire to its bracket became dislodged and snapped open, thus resulting in a section of this wire to dangle down into the street below. Unfortunately, a passing lorry caught this wire and it became entwined around his wing mirror fittings. From what we understand, there was damage to this as well as the lorry’s window. We still eagerly await for the lorry driver to contact us, as we are somewhat concerned at the corroded state of the mirrors fittings. We are still holding onto the remains of this mirror for him. We deeply regret what has happened and we would like to sort this matter out amicably through our Insurance companies. As the lorry continued on its way, (We cannot believe the lorry driver was still oblivious to what was occurring!) the strain of this momentum caused both the catenary wires to pull on their fittings. Both catenary wires carry (amongst other fixtures and fittings) the light string, features and logo boxes. The whole string is irreplaceable at present due to the severe amount of damage caused to it and all its attachments, as well as the urgent work required on the masonry of 14 High Street. As far as we understand, it was apparently the wall that gave way rather than our fittings, but we will have to wait and see what the official report says. Fortunately there was no internal damage to 14 High Street. The wall itself is constructed of brick and concrete, rather than the traditional method of brick and mortar. Jackie was reported in the media as saying that the wrecked bulbs would not be replaced because of a cash shortage. We would like to say that what she actually quoted was that the whole string would not be replaced this year due to lack of manpower (we are all volunteers) and time. Cash is always short, but this is not the reason why the string will not be replaced this year. Obviously the insurance claim will affect us very dearly. As to whether the string will ever be allowed to be replaced, will be subject to the results of the investigation and NPCL cannot be held liable for that decision. If finances and permission allow, it will be re erected next year, providing we have enough volunteer manpower. We would be willing to pay for a qualified electrician if need be. It was reported that Jackie said that 2 strings of lights were completely destroyed – this must be corrected. She actually stated that only one string was completely destroyed on this day, but we did lose its neighboring string the previous year in a completely separate incident. Switch On Day (24/11/01) is in fact (counting from Thursday 8 November through to Saturday 24 November) some 16 days away and not 47 as reported. We are unsure where that figure came from! We would like to thank all of the following that became involved on the day itself, including the local Police, Fire Brigade, Council, Housing Inspector, and Agents for 14 High Street, Residents of 14 High Street and the Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights Volunteers that attended the incident scene. May we apologize to the residents in question, all the sponsors of the said string, the lorry driver and anyone else that we may have offended. This was completely an unfortunate accident, and we would like to state that safety is always our uppermost concern. All our fittings are always double-checked and were fine at time of assembling. If you have any concerns, we may be contacted on 01908 216073.

Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights is a totally self-funding voluntary run scheme. Volunteers come out (officially) every Sunday morning from June through to September maintaining the lights, September through to late November erecting the lights and January onwards dismantling the lights. Switch on Day (24/11/01); we are there from 07:00am through to 21:00pm ensuring all goes well. Many of us spend a great number of afternoons and evenings volunteering, as well as Saturdays as well! The Administration staff (also unpaid) spends many hours all year round with various tasks. Bearing in mind most of the team have family and work commitments, a jolly good pat on the back should be given to them all. The stalwart few that always seem to be getting called out (as early as 2am in the morning sometimes) are retired and ‘getting on’ as to say. They would like to retire from NPCL if possible - what we really need is active retired people as well as the many younger persons joining us of recent. Irregardless of situation, we would like thank all involved very much – for you know of the problems we face each year!!!! A special mention should be made to the following:

	British Telecom (Bedford) that allow Bill and Terry to come out free of charge with their hoist on Sundays which has proved an invaluable asset this year, because of all the work on the High Street.
	Kehoe Construction for allowing us to work around each other and always keeping us informed of what is going on.
	The many local businesses that supply raffle prizes or financial donations, or sponsor Logo Display Boxes. And lastly, The Swan Revived Hotel for supplying Breakfast every Sunday free of charge, plus their invaluable generosity in many other directions –their contributions are endless.

The entire display can cost between £8,000.00 and £10,000.00 per annum and relies entirely on voluntary donations from the public and businesses (not just the shopkeepers) alike, as well as voluntary sponsorship such as Logo Display Boxes. Fundraising goes on all year round and is mainly supported by the general public. We do not receive any official grants or payments from local authorities and the like. The lights string ran from De Val Hairdressers over to 14 High Street Newport Pagnell. It consisted of 33 lights bulbs (value 27p each) and colour converters (42p each), totaling £22.77 ‘just for the bulbs alone’ on this string. This does take into account any damaged ones that need to be replaced constantly due to weather conditions. The general public, thus allowing one lucky person out of the hat to Switch the lights on, sponsors these bulbs at £1.00 a time. They are chauffeur driven to the Swan Revived Hotel by Sheringtons Vintage Wedding Cars and become a VIP for the day, and attend a little soiree with the Newport Pagnell Town Mayor, Mike Barry afterwards. Our apologies are sent to all that have sponsored these bulbs, but you will still be advertised as a sponsor and put into the draw as normal. Jackie is always in the High Street Saturday Morning from September through to Switch On Day with the Sponsor a Bulb Stall. Ron Spendloff has his own Raffle Stall opposite. Both are very popular with the public and are often known as the Christmas Lights Man and Lady.