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Switch on day 2001The switch on day for the 2001 Newport Pagnell Christmas Illuminations was on Saturday 24th November 2001 The team rolled the tower out from the back of the Swan at 07:10hrs and made a few last minute repairs. The burger stall and raffle stall were then assembled as the traders arrived for the day. Scot, Brian, Wendy and Tony spent the day on the burger stall cooking and selling burgers, hot dogs and beverages. The stall had initially got up and running thanks to the help of Scot's Mum and Dad (Tom and Jan) who had volunteered to help set up stalls etc for switch on day.
Arthur and Rick managed the traffic at the British Legion end of the High Street. Henry and Martin managed the raffle while Trevor, Jackie and Nigel managed the events. Jim from Horizon Radio arrived in 'Black Thunder' at 12:30hrs and remained for the rest of the day. All of the festivities went without a hitch and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. Even the weather was stayed fine throughout the day. During the build up to switch on the crowds flooded onto the high street until everyone was shoulder to shoulder, and there was little space to move around when the switch on ceremony commenced at 16:30hrs.
Our 'Sponsor a Bulb' winner, Harry Cooper arrived in one of Sherrington Wedding Cars' vehicles at 16:30. The Bradwell Silver Band led the procession, accompanied by a flock of school children carrying lanterns that they had made. Santa took up the rear on his float. The mayor, Mike Barry, then made a speech followed by Ron Spendloff (Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights previous chairman). Mr Harry Cooper then pressed the magic green button at 16:45hrs and the lights sprang to life....
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