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Meet Arran Gandy, a dedicated carer who devotes much of his spare time to a very special festive endeavour. Arran, you see, is the mastermind behind the magnificent Manor Close Christmas light display in St Austell.
For the past four years, this dazzling display has not only been lighting up our local community but also the skies, as he uses the display to raise vital funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance, writes Alex Duff for CHAOS Radio.
Arran’s connection to the air ambulance service is personal. “Without their lifesaving knowledge and equipment, I wouldn’t be looking after some of the people I care for today. They are a brilliant charity,” he shares. Driven by gratitude, Arran has transformed his festive display into a beacon of support for these heli heroes.
Record-breaking ambitions for charity
Last year, Arran’s display raised £1,552. This year, his setup is the grandest yet, with hopes to draw supporters to help reach a new goal of £2,000. Thanks to government matching, reaching this target could mean a total of £4,000 for the charity – a fitting testament to the community’s generosity and Arran’s hard work.
15,000 lights: A labour of love
And there’s no doubt it is hard work – a real labour of love. Arran, pictured, has dedicated all his days off since the beginning of October to building his display. The big switch-on took place on Saturday, 23rd November. Now, the lights can be seen illuminating 67 Manor Close from 5pm to 9pm daily until the New Year. This year’s setup includes 15,000 lights, a snow machine, inflatable festive figures, and heartwarming Christmas tunes.
Growing from friendly rivalry
The display began as a bit of fun over a decade ago when Arran and a friend had a little competitive rivalry going, as to who could have the better light display. That started with humble beginnings inside the home, then snowballed to include the garden, the garage, and the roof. Today, Arran’s light display covers his entire front garden, offering a winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
But while his friend conceded defeat long ago at Arran’s mastery, he joined this year’s festivities, dressed as Santa, to help with the countdown to the switch-on and distribute small gifts, much to the delight of excited kids in the 100-strong crowd.
Today, Arran’s technical lighting wizardry incorporates LEDs, rope lights, and smart lighting and is largely self-taught, well, with the help of his dad, Kevin Legg, who was an early guiding light.
“I got into addressable LEDs about five years ago and brought some around for Arran so he could see how you could make them work by controlling each individual LED, to make them dance to your own tune. But this display, this is all him and you couldn’t describe how I’m feeling, I just cannot believe how brilliant this all is.”
Join the festivities and support a good cause
If you’re looking to brighten up a dreary evening this holiday season, consider a visit to 67 Manor Close. Every donation, big or small, helps, whether dropped into the Air Ambulance collection bucket at the display or contributed through Arran’s Just Giving page, which can be accessed directly here. Your support not only illuminates the dark nights but also helps keep lifesaving services flying.
#KeepItCHAOS
