Chesham's Victorian Evening 2009

The Chesham Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Chesham's Mayor Cllr. Justine Fulford would like to thank the dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers who came out in force last Friday evening and made the Victorian Evening a huge success. Following the Winter Parade led by Chesham's Town Crier, local school children and the Elgiva panto cast, the Mayor switched on the Chesham Christmas lights. The evening was a great success with thousands of people and children joining in the festivities. As well as all the fun of the fair, including a grand Victorian carousel, there were over 30 stalls on the High Street, including charities, schools and voluntary organisations, raising money for good causes. Many shops and local businesses were open late and joined in the festivities. NPA insurance got into the swing of things early, serving wine, mince pies and balloons from 4.30pm. Chesham Chamber of Trade & Commerce would particularly like to thank all those shops who took part in the shop window competition; the winner this year was Perfect Pitch. Well done!

For their fabulous support and generous contribution towards the Chesham Christmas lights, they are greatly indebted to their lead sponsor, Waitrose Cheham Essential Range and would like to personally thank Waitrose's Robin Benford for his help and the Waitrose people who, suitably garbed in Victorian dress, were present on the High Street serving free food and drink.

Despite the recession, the organisers are also very grateful that four local sponsors - the Buckinghamshire Examiner, the Chesham Action Partnership, Domestic Services and Gilberts Taxis - were able and eager to support this great event which has given the town a real pre-Christmas boost.

For the Victorian Evening poster, which graced many a shop window and the fabulous flyer, which the Buckinghamshire Examiner kindly distributed with their newspaper, they would like to thank all the schools who took part in the competition and the two winning artists Olivia Hyde and Joe Summerling.

Finally, a huge thank you to the many individuals who have helped to make the Victorian evening such a sucess and especially to the people and children of Chesham for your fantastic support - and a date for the diary: Next year's Victorian evening will be on Friday 26th November 2010. See you there!