Almost £1,000 raised for charity thanks to Christmas light display

Almost £1,000 has been raised for charity after a local family set up a dazzling light display on the front of their home in the village of Peasedown St John this Christmas.

Supported by local housing association, Aster Group along with building suppliers, Jewson’s Devizes, Aster employee, Jerry Matthews and his wife, Ruth, set out to raise a total of £600 from the light display to split between the village’s primary school and the charity, Time is Precious. But they smashed that target by generating £486 in donations, which was match funded by Aster, bringing the total raised to £972.

Jerry, multi-trade operative at Aster, said: “After such a hard year Ruth and I wanted to bring some festive cheer to our village and put a smile on everyone’s face, while also raising money for charity. This display was our best yet and I’m delighted by the generosity of my local community for their donations, and that of my employer, Aster. Thank you all.”

With Jerry and Ruth’s home also featuring as part of a Covid-safe Christmas trail organised by PSJ Primary School Parent Association, their display was not short of visitors and went on to be voted as the best dressed house by the local community.

Rob McFall, contracts manager at Aster, said: “It’s been such a testing year for everyone that when we heard about what Jerry and Ruth were planning, we had to lend our support. So we helped supply some materials and also matched the amount raised.

“It was an amazing display that no doubt brought joy to all who visited and raised some much-needed funds for two good causes.”

For more information about Aster Group visit www.aster.co.uk.