Couple light up the street for Christmas

Peter and Tina Smith, with children Kriss and Kacey Peter and Tina Smith, with children Kriss and Kacey

BRIDGWATER couple Pete and Tina Smith have spent hundreds of pounds and worked for over 40 hours decorating their house with Christmas lights.

The parents-of-six joke their house is Somerset’s equivalent of Blackpool’s illuminations as it lights up Bayford Road and the surrounding area.

But they say it was worthwhile as they raised money for the Rainbow Pre-school, which son Kacey attends, with an official light switch-on.

Pete, 33, said: “I enjoyed it putting the decorations up though it took some time but it has been worth it and it looks good.”

The decorations include 8ft Santas and singing seasonal characters. But the work was set back in the second week of preparations when four sets of lights were torn down.

Pete said: “The icicle sets of lights were torn apart and dragged down the road. It was upsetting but I wasn’t going to let it get to me.

“I hope whoever did it will see the charity sign outside and will regret it.”

Tina said: “I’m proud of Pete for what he’s done. I finally gave in last week and he put the decorations up in our front room as well.”

Comments(21)

Mc@Cloud says...
11:50am Thu 16 Dec 10

Is this guy unemployed or just a need of a hobby. Why doesnt he do something for charity rather than waste electricity.

tootrue123 says...
12:37pm Thu 16 Dec 10

@Mc@Cloud:
They actually raised money for the local Rainbow Pre School.

Before Commenting on stories why don't you actually read it before hand.

Are you unemployed?
Or do you just waste time being an over-opinionated Knobber?

v1234 says...
1:31pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud wrote:
Is this guy unemployed or just a need of a hobby. Why doesnt he do something for charity rather than waste electricity.
WOW thats a bit harsh isnt it?i take it you misread the story..him wasting electricity???lol im guessing you are using either a pc or laptop...hardly a necessity is it!

v1234 says...
1:32pm Thu 16 Dec 10

WOW thats a bit harsh isnt it?i take it you misread the story..him wasting electricity???lol im guessing you are using either a pc or laptop...hardly a necessity is it!

*Flick* says...
3:43pm Thu 16 Dec 10

tootrue123 wrote:
@Mc@Cloud: They actually raised money for the local Rainbow Pre School. Before Commenting on stories why don't you actually read it before hand. Are you unemployed? Or do you just waste time being an over-opinionated Knobber?
But it doesn't say how much, so to those of us not from Bridgwater, we can only assume the total.
The way the story reads to me is that they spent hundreds on lights (not to mention the extra cost of running them) but it doesn't say how much was raised - which makes one assume its less than they spent. In which case a charitable donation would indeed be a better option.
I do however, think this is a nice idea. Back up North in my home town there is a family that raises thousands for charity with their lights every year.

Mc@Cloud says...
4:02pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Why do the working class feel the need to spend money on decorating the exterior of their when they probably buy the cheapest processed food at supermarkets in order to save money. Its crazy that some working class families have their priorities for big tellies and lots of outside lights whilst eating cheap processed food.

Yes they are raising money for charity which is nobel but they are wasting electricity in a time when energy is running low. We are all told ot safe energy buy energy efficient fridges and lights while people like this run lots of unecessary lights on there house every christmas.

If you want to do something for charity volunter, do some fund raising don't use it an excuse to decorate your house in lights. I know its bridgwater and you shoulnt expect much I just feel sorry for them.

sheldoncooper says...
4:25pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud wrote:
Why do the working class feel the need to spend money on decorating the exterior of their when they probably buy the cheapest processed food at supermarkets in order to save money. Its crazy that some working class families have their priorities for big tellies and lots of outside lights whilst eating cheap processed food.

Yes they are raising money for charity which is nobel but they are wasting electricity in a time when energy is running low. We are all told ot safe energy buy energy efficient fridges and lights while people like this run lots of unecessary lights on there house every christmas.

If you want to do something for charity volunter, do some fund raising don't use it an excuse to decorate your house in lights. I know its bridgwater and you shoulnt expect much I just feel sorry for them.
Obiously has a problem with working class folk, or Bridgwater folk...or both !

Should be easy enough to track down, dark dingy unlit castle in Wellington and "SANTA NOT WELCOME HEER" sign at the entrance to the 2 mile driveway ! Servants not allowed ant time off at Christmas.

Merry Xmas Mr Scrooge

Mc@Cloud says...
4:42pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Not scooge I have some lights inside for my two children to enjoy.

If had 6 and lived in bridgewater feeding them a healthly and balance diet would be a priority not putting lights all over the exterior of my house.

How do know I am not working class.

Just a big telly and lots of lights are not a priority for myself or my family.

mg-lloyd says...
4:51pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud, turn your PC/laptop off that will save electricity...

frags27 says...
7:55pm Thu 16 Dec 10

I think its good they raised money for charity by doing this and I am sure a lot of people will put a quid in or so. But yes has to be a but, I wouldn't want to be living next door or across the road with all the lights flashing and people stopping all the time! Hopefully they turn the lot off when its late at night and not leave it on all night as otherwise that is a waste of money and resources and second some poor sod on a night shift coming home will find it difficult to sleep and the early risers like me wouldn't get any sleep either! I'm not a Humbug but houses round here have had flashing lights since beginning of November which is really taking the michael

v1234 says...
8:18pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud wrote:
Not scooge I have some lights inside for my two children to enjoy. If had 6 and lived in bridgewater feeding them a healthly and balance diet would be a priority not putting lights all over the exterior of my house. How do know I am not working class. Just a big telly and lots of lights are not a priority for myself or my family.
maybe its not for you,but respect the people that it is for..and also,dont assume the family live off processed food.I have lights on the outside of my house,i also have a 50 inch plasma and my kids also eat a well balanced diet ,i dont buy frozen or processed food,only fresh.so get off your high horse and live and let live!Oh and you better turn off your pc,your wasting so much electricity!!!

JULIETBRAVO says...
10:04pm Thu 16 Dec 10

Mc@cloud. He is paying for his electricity so if this is how he choose's to waste it fine at least it bring's some cheer to the dreary street's this time of year.The children look well cared for and fed so what is your problem ? I thought Scrooge died many years ago.

fairy40 says...
1:07am Fri 17 Dec 10

the neighbours think the lights are great and have nothing but praise for wot we have done . will not know the total untll january, and our children do have fresh fruit and veg aswell as there treats and the odd take away and we are proud of wot we have done the pre-school is a worthy course.

v1234 says...
7:12am Fri 17 Dec 10

fairy40 wrote:
the neighbours think the lights are great and have nothing but praise for wot we have done . will not know the total untll january, and our children do have fresh fruit and veg aswell as there treats and the odd take away and we are proud of wot we have done the pre-school is a worthy course.
hey,you dont have to explain yourself to him,anyone with half a brain cell wil realise what your doing is a good thing and im sure the pre-school appreciate it.well done xxx

morningstar says...
7:26am Fri 17 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud wrote:
Why do the working class feel the need to spend money on decorating the exterior of their when they probably buy the cheapest processed food at supermarkets in order to save money. Its crazy that some working class families have their priorities for big tellies and lots of outside lights whilst eating cheap processed food. Yes they are raising money for charity which is nobel but they are wasting electricity in a time when energy is running low. We are all told ot safe energy buy energy efficient fridges and lights while people like this run lots of unecessary lights on there house every christmas. If you want to do something for charity volunter, do some fund raising don't use it an excuse to decorate your house in lights. I know its bridgwater and you shoulnt expect much I just feel sorry for them.
Why do people like you always stereotype. I think your being nasty and unfair, how DARE you say working class would rather 'keep up with the jones's' than feed their children properly!! Thats stereotyping! And you come this with a story about a couple putting on some lights to raise money..We can all be as judgemental and think we know all like you! I could say that your just another middle-upper class toff, who instead of giving their children kisses cuddles and letting them know how much you love them. You just give them money, and presents and the kids just grow up not knowing the meaning of earning their keep nor love!! Why dont you back off and keep your stereotyping to yourself..I have a 80in tv, and my child eats nothing but fruit, pulses,wheat,veg, proteins and everything he needs..Oh and please,please dont feel sorry for us..We really, REALLY don't want your sympathy!!THANKYOU!!

Read things properly before commenting, and do a little research..and maybe take a look at yourself..As the comments you have come up with over someone doing some charity, whilst giving the kids something to smile about (maybe you could try that) is just plain nasty..So how does it feel being on the recieving end of nasty comments and stereotypical views??

mikeymike says...
8:45am Fri 17 Dec 10

All this over a couple of lights..."YAWNS"!!

*Flick* says...
10:29am Fri 17 Dec 10

Mc@Cloud wrote:
Why do the working class feel the need to spend money on decorating the exterior of their when they probably buy the cheapest processed food at supermarkets in order to save money. Its crazy that some working class families have their priorities for big tellies and lots of outside lights whilst eating cheap processed food. Yes they are raising money for charity which is nobel but they are wasting electricity in a time when energy is running low. We are all told ot safe energy buy energy efficient fridges and lights while people like this run lots of unecessary lights on there house every christmas. If you want to do something for charity volunter, do some fund raising don't use it an excuse to decorate your house in lights. I know its bridgwater and you shoulnt expect much I just feel sorry for them.
What a VILE thing to say! How dare you go off on a rant about 'the working class'?! Are you aware of what 'working class' means? It is basically people who have to work to live ie: pay their mortgage and bills etc. Most of this country is working class, just some snobs like yourself like to think you are better and 'middle class'. You only come from Wellington darling.
Being working class myself, and very proud of it, I like to think that 'working class' people tend to know values and a lot of working class families stick together more, and seem to love each other more, than snobs such as yourself.
Maybe those of us without silver spoons in our mouths appreciate the smaller things better.
You go on to ask "How do know I am not working class?" We if you are, you must be ashamed of it to go on like this!!!

fairy40 says...
11:29am Fri 17 Dec 10

just want to say a big thankyou to all those who have given us support on this

mikeymike says...
11:42am Fri 17 Dec 10

Ask the police for 24hr protection before the "bah humbug" brigade turn up with the burning torches !
XDDDDD

JULIETBRAVO says...
12:05pm Fri 17 Dec 10

I bet McCloud hasnt had to work for everything like most of us WORKING CLASS as he calls it. My family have and are still working to give their children good loving homes and it's these sort of people who appreciate what the neighbours do with christmas lights. At least for a few weeks it keeps us out of the dark and misery.Again I will say take a look at the picture, they look like a happy loving family they may not be mega rich but you dont have to be to have a happy family life.Pete and Tina you keep up the good work you are making 99% of us happy.O f course there is allways one !!

Bald Carl says...
11:01pm Sun 19 Dec 10

Fair play to the bloke. He has spent the benefits he receives for his SIX kids on making his house look like every other council house.

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