A Little bit of History
Bringing Holiday Cheer to the Seaboard Villages
In the summer leading up to Christmas 2010, members of the Balintore and Hilton Community Council discussed the notable absence of Christmas lights in the Seaboard Villages during previous years. The council considered how the addition of festive lights could help brighten the villages and lift spirits during the cold winter nights.
The idea of adding Christmas lights generated significant interest, not only from committee members but also from residents who attended the monthly meetings. Motivated by this enthusiasm, the committee began exploring options for purchasing Christmas lights and determining how to fund the project.
To raise the necessary funds, the Community Council, together with local residents, organised fundraising coffee mornings at the Scout hall. During these events, images of potential Christmas light designs were displayed, with the names of each design listed alongside the visuals. Attendees were invited to vote for their favourite designs, fostering a sense of community involvement and ownership in the project.
The combined efforts of the villagers and the Community Council resulted in the purchase of beautiful Christmas lights. The selected designs were installed on the streetlights throughout the villages, transforming the area with festive cheer. The overwhelming popularity of the initiative led to its continuation the following year, allowing even more lights to be purchased and displayed in additional locations.
The sight of Christmas lights brought joy to the villagers and was especially enjoyed by local children. It was agreed that Community Council funding could be used to finance the purchase of 2 Christmas trees for each of the villages on an annual basis providing funding was available. The project became a cherished tradition, strengthening community bonds and creating and inviting holiday atmosphere for all.
Present Day – 2025
The tradition of illuminating Balintore and Hilton villages with festive lights has continued to bring joy and brighten the community for the past fifteen years. Gratitude and thanks is extended to the 2010 BHCC team who, through their dedication and foresight, established this cherished custom.
Throughout the years, the BHCC has played a pivotal role in funding the annual purchase of Christmas trees for the village’s, provided resources were available. However, when funding has been unavailable or placed in abeyance, the acquisition of trees has faced challenges. Currently, with the BHCC in abeyance and funding not accessible, the villages were fortunate to receive Christmas trees this year thanks to anonymous donors. Their generosity ensured both villages could continue celebrating the holiday season with decorated trees.
Additional appreciation goes to the Balintore District Residence Group, who stepped forward and purchased two sets of lights for the Christmas trees, helping maintain the festive spirit in the villages.
A very special and heartfelt thank you is owed to all individuals who have dedicated their time and effort over the last fifteen years to maintain the Christmas street lights. These volunteers have worked tirelessly each year to ensure the lights are operational, replacing them when necessary. Their commitment included providing vehicles and manpower to install the twenty to twenty-five street lights, often braving the coldest days. Grateful thanks to those that erected the Christmas trees and to those that came back out to Balintore when the tree blew over in the recent wind. Appreciation is also given to those who supplied bacon rolls and coffee, bringing comfort during these frosty mornings, and to the background organisers who ensured the annual event came together seamlessly.
While some contributors are no longer with us, those who remain are sincerely thanked by everyone in the villages for their unwavering dedication.
It is hoped that in the coming years the BHCC will have re-convened and will continue to honour decisions made in the past providing funding is available. I recently had a meeting with our young active Seaboard Gala Committee, who have been highly supportive over the last number of weeks and will work alongside future committees and with the Seaboard Memorial Hall to ensure this tradition remains in place for years to come.
I would also ask that the Community be aware of how these traditions continue to occur in the villages and that at times extra help is required when there is a blip in the system.
N.C. Balfour – 🎄🎄
