It’s become as synonymous with Christmas on Oldford as the Coca-Cola truck has become with the rest of us, but John ‘Elwyn’ Roberts’s annual display nearly didn’t happen this year.
Mr Roberts has been putting on a Christmas display on his front lawn for more years than residents can remember, and after being diagnosed with cancer in 2004, he has made it a charity effort with a collection tin out front.
But sadly the 77-year-old was not in the best of health last year and was unable to put out his display, so his family pitched in to make it happen.
“People were asking dad if he was going to do it as usual, but due to ill health over the last year he couldn't put them up himself,” said his daughter Eirlys Roberts. “So his family were happy to help with the display outside his home on Oldford Rise.”
The display hit the headlines two years ago when we reported that vandals had struck, sparking outrage across the town.
But true community spirit shone through then, and it did once again this Christmas with families able to enjoy the display. He raised a few quid too.
“Dad would like to say a huge thank you to the generosity of passers-by, who helped raise a total of £87.73 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund,” added Eirlys. “Unfortunately, the wind wasn't as kind as the locals, and the display took a bit of a battering over new year, but I'm certain it won’t stop dad from doing it again next year.”
The display has helped to raise a considerable sum over the years and back in 2009, Mr Roberts (pictured) celebrated his 70th birthday by asking guests to donate to the charity instead of buying gifts. That resulted in £650 going into the charity pot.
The family have helped to put the display back in the boxes once again, but for sure there will be plenty of people wanting to kick start their Christmas in 2017 by waiting to see the annual attraction lighting up his garden once again.