Santa Claus came to town, or more accurately Wixams in Bedfordshire on Saturday 10th December. He was the guest of honour at a “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 where the residents were 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 at Wixams said: “After the success of previous years, we had another enjoyable event and the children are always delighted to see Santa. I know that the residents at Danecroft enjoyed the carols and they also held a Christmas bazaar earlier in the day so the carols were a nice way to round this off. 

“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 helped out.”

“Community Development is vital to help bring people together and encourage cohesion. For a new development like Wixams, events like these are vital in order to establish and encourage a thriving community.”

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 early 2012.

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.