Along Lickhill Road and North Street in Calne people were sitting outside their houses to watch the Calne community at play during the Christmas lights parade. Even the intense cold could not keep people away. Smiles, waves and cheers greeted everyone along the route.

A very big thank you to the Calne community area and to our dear friends at Lyneham. Families from RAF Lyneham had made lanterns to show love and dearest thoughts at this time of year for our soldiers in far off places.

The schools and community groups in the parade sang carols.

Then the parade reached town. Hundreds of people waited in the cold to welcome their community.

Schools and community groups, villages and RAF Lyneham had until the November 29 attended workshops to make lanterns. I cannot express how lucky I felt to be part of such a community where people do actually care about each other. The harbour, made from lanterns to represent a community, was looked upon by the visitors to our town in wonderment. I extend my thanks to CAIAC for their hard work and commitment to this event. Thank you to our town councillors who turned out to assist with the well-being of the community and thank you to the information centre who were plagued with many requests for information. A particular thank you to our police, fire and First Responders who ensured we all enjoyed an enjoyable light switch on.

Jill Martin Chairman Calne Community Area Partnership