CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Ilminster Lions support the Christmas Lights once again

THE rain held off as the President of the Lions Club of Ilminster and District, Alan Rudkin, presented Clinton Bonner with a cheque for £610 towards funds for the much-loved Ilminster Christmas Lights.  

Clinton’s father, Mike, along with Tony Davis, started the tradition over 20 years ago when back in 1995 it was the then Mayor, Cllr Mary Hodges, who had the honour of switching the Ilminster Christmas Lights on for the first time.

A small group watched as the one tree lit up the Minster Churchyard.   From that small beginning the spectacle we have today in Ilminster has grown thanks to the efforts of Clinton and his team of 20 unpaid volunteers who work hard to light up the town each Christmas – the envy of many communities in Somerset.

A spokesman for Ilminster Lions said: “The Lions Club of Ilminster and District are proud to have been in on the operation from the start, donating more than £10,000 over the years.”

With maintenance and pieces needing to be replaced the cost each year is in excess of £6,000 which has to be found by the lights committee.

Clinton with volunteers Mike Stephenson and John Pallister thanked the Lions for their tremendous efforts along with all who help the lights - enabling everyone to enjoy the wonderful display each year.

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