On Saturday 24th November crowds gathered in less than ideal weather for the traditional switching on of the Cedar Tree lights in the High Street, Caterham-on-the-Hill. Buxton's builders kindly allow use of their car park, where the tree is located, for the occasion which is organised each year by Caterham-on-the-Hill Parish Council.

The switching on was preceded by carols by Caterham District Girl Guides, then Father Christmas arrived amongst much excitement to switch on the lights. The St. Francis School choir then led the carol singing afterwards. Mulled wine and mince pies were served during the event with collection for the League of Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital. Last year local resident, Roger Fullilove, captured a wonderful photo of the lights where by chance all the fairy lights aligned to create the most magnificent 'bird of prey' flying through the tree!

The previous evening saw the switching on of the Christmas lights in Caterham Valley, sponsored by local businesses and Caterham Valley Parish Council. Unfortunately the lights did not all come on at the scheduled time due to problems caused by having the new street lights installed this year.

Andrew Browne, the Chairman of the Caterham Business Partnership said: "I cannot believe the lighting contractors, 'Festive Lighting', did not let us know there would be a problem with the lights coming on. They should have been put up earlier in the month and we would have known about the problems in time for us to get them sorted for the switching on on Friday. Fortunately Skanskia have been very efficient and have got them all working now."

Sally Marks, Surrey County Councillor for Caterham Valley, said: "The new streetlight columns had different connectors which made the erection of this year's lights impossible. I have been pleading with Surrey Highways to get the lights all switched on and an 'anonymous' poem that was circulated may have helped speed things up a bit!"

'Caterham's Christmas Lights'

Christmas comes but once a year,

But not in Caterham I fear.

For new street lights were given to us,

To light pedestrians, cars and bus.

This might be thought a good addition,

To bring improvement to fruition,

And further gild the Caterham lily,

But sad to say it's all gone silly,

As the new street lights, tall and bright,

Cannot cope with Christmas lights!

Now the people are all worried,

That when the snow comes all a'flurry,

Santa will just drive past the town,

And on his face will be a frown,

When he can't deliver any gifts,

To Caterham children, causing rifts.

And so we beg the men in power,

To remove the peoples' glower,

And restore the Caterham Christmas Cheer,

Before the coming of New Year!

Anon.