Ash Parish Council

Ash Parish Councils Christmas Fantasia 2010 was once again organised by the staff of Ash Parish Council. The Fantasia took place on Saturday 4th December 2010, at the Ash Centre. The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Marsha Moseley and Chairman of Ash Parish Council, Councillor Nigel Manning, officially opened the event at 2:15pm. The event was again supported by many local charities and organisations.

Inside the Ash Centre, visitors enjoyed even more stalls than previous years. The stalls and attractions included children’s games, tombolas, raffles and a design your own Christmas Card stall manned by members of Churches Together.

Ash & District Museum Society had a special display of old photographs of Ash in bygone days, and once again this proved to be a very popular attraction.

The staff of the Parish Council ran a tombola, whilst the Parish Councillors supplied and ran a cake stall. The event raised over £500 for local charities. Ash Parish Council would like to give a huge thank you to all the residents, local businesses and organisations who kindly donated the various prizes.

Making a return visit was Millers Ark, a mobile farm, that was set up outside the Ash Centre. On show were ducks, geese rabbits, miniature pigs and a two week old donkey with its mother.

As daylight faded, a large crowd gathered on Ash Wharf, where Councillor Nigel Manning, accompanied by the Ash Vale Ensemble and the choirs of St. Peter’s and St. Mary's Churches led carol singing around the Christmas tree. A snow machine added to the festive atmosphere. The Ash Vale Ensemble being formed specifically formed for this event from former members of the 1st Ash Vale Scout Band, conducted by Councillor Len Scott.

Just before 5.00pm Father Christmas arrived by "Santa Express" to switch on the Christmas tree lights. During his journey from the sleigh to the tree he distributed sweets to the children that had gathered around the tree. He was accompanied a number of helpers dressed in various costumes, including the three Kings, the Snowman and many others.

After the light switching on ceremony every one was invited to return to the the Ash Centre for mince pies and mulled wine, kindly supplied by Mike Duffy from Budgens. The Mothers Union of St. Peter's church provided tea, coffee and buscuits throughout the afternoon.

Once again the Ash Christmas Fantasia was an enormous success and the Staff and Councillors of Ash Parish Council would like to say a special thank you to Party Pants for once again generously supplying the fancy dress costumes free of charge.

Ash Parish Council would also like to thank the following:

Sponsors of the Wharf Christmas Tree:
The Co-operative Funeral Care

Sponsors of Fantasia:
Magic Signs
The Bo Wah Fish and Chip Shop
The Dover Garage
Vale Vetinary Practise
Village Pets

Donators of Tombola Prizes:
Best One
The Ash Cittizens Advice Services
Happy Garden Takeaway
K and S Hair Studio
Lloyds Pharmacy
Nails Beauty
Premier Cuts
The RSPCA Charity Shop
Spice of India
Surrey Tackle Exchange
The Chandni Takeaway
The Forge Works

All pictures copyright G.Bidwell except those marked * copyright N.Bidwell