Night of the Lights - Scott & Stapleton!

December 1, 2014 by Rob Kahl

The Night of the Lights.....Wow, what a night. Whoever came up with the idea of a procession instead of the switching on of the lights needs a well deserved pat on the back.

I think that everyone who came and visited, and all those involved can safely say that this years Night of the Lights was a huge success!

The streets were lined, 10 deep in places, as hundreds of performers and floats passed through Leigh spreading christmas joy and festive spirit. Most shops & offices threw open their doors with special events, welcoming passers by to drop in and enjoy the festivities.

And….the Scott & Stapleton offices were no exception with the office filled to the brim with revellers. Children were partaking in arts, crafts and drawing whilst pestering parents to buy shiny or sparkly, light up toys. Sanity was found by many a parent in our mulled wine taking the edge off the wait to see the guest of honour.

Whilst it was just a fleeting visit for a few hours, Father Christmas’ popularity was as strong as ever. The queue stretched all through the office, out of the front door and onto the street as the big man himself welcomed children and parents in to his grotto.

As the children’s faces glimpsed behind the curtain to see the great man sitting there waiting for them, their eyes like saucers in amazement, he invited them in to sit down. He made sure to take the time to ask their names and ages (the youngest being 5 months and the oldest 16) and then to ask if they had been good throughout the year. The majority of the children were pretty sure they had been good for the entire year. We must be blessed in Leigh, all having immaculately behaved children!?? 

Then he asked if they had written lists yet. Most had done or were about to do them. One little girl said that she had text Santa already, lets hope he knows how to use his mobile! All the children were asked what they would like for christmas and presents ranged from a pony for one little girl, new bikes for most of the boys and the usual mix of Playstation’s and Xboxes.

The majority of the children seemed to enjoy the experience. There was inevitably the odd meltdown. Little girls clinging to their mummy’s, scared at the site of the old man with the big beard and glasses wanting to ask them questions. They soon calmed down when a beautifully wrapped sweet cone was handed to them at the end though and were happy to have their pictures taken.

I think we can safely say that his appearance made the evening for a lot of people. Whilst everybody at Scott & Stapleton have sore heads this morning (Mrs Gingerbread, The Reindeer and 2 of the Elves were later spotted in Ten Green Bottles until the early hours) and the clean up campaign is still to be undertaken, we all thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for next year!

None of this would have been possible though without the assistance of leigh-on-sea.com, Leigh Town Council, West Leigh School, S.W Brooks Builders, Southend Timber, Aimee who painted the grotto, Scott Waldron - Interior designer and our photographer Picture Perfect

This Article is by Rob Kahl at Scott & Stapleton
To discuss your propoerty, please call Rob on 01702 471155