Santa was sighted in Wixams, Bedfordshire last Saturday when he turned up to support residents on their Walking Lights procession. Organised by Wixams Community Group and supported by Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (bpha), the procession saw children young and old light up the night as they journeyed from Seasons Garden Centre on Old Bedford Road to the Wixams Community Christmas Tree at Danecroft Care Home.

Margaret Fish, who resides at the care home and at age 111 is allegedly England’s oldest resident, was given the honour of turning on the Christmas tree lights. Guests were then treated to warm drinks and mince pies, along with carols from the congregation of New Gate Church, Bedford.

Linda Whitfield, the bpha Community Development Officer assigned to Wixams said: “For the second year running we have had a very successful event. Much fun was had by all and the children were delighted to see Santa. I can’t thank Wixams Community Group enough for their help and support, along with everyone else who sponsored this event (Seasons Garden Centre, Bloor Homes, Careys Homes, Miller Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Danecroft Care Home) and all those who attended and took part.

“Community Development is vital to help bring people together and encourage cohesion. So far we have been involved with setting up a neighbourhood watch group and also helped establish the Wixams Community Group and website, all of which have helped establish a thriving community here at Wixams.”

Wixams Village is one of the largest new communities to be built in the UK in recent times. With more than 300 homes occupied so far and many transport links and local facilities now complete, Wixams is already taking shape. It is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

For more information about the community at Wixams, please contact Linda Whitfield, Community Development Officer on 07545 936347 or email linda.whitfield@bpha.org.uk.