The Christmas lights switch-on was a huge success, with so many free activities for all to enjoy. Many more people attended the event than usual.

I have so many people to thank: All Saints Church members for help with the concert, Cowley Hill, Monksmead, St Nicholas and Summerwood choirs for their fantastic performances, Gristwood and Tom’s donation of a tree in memory of Joyce Stubbs, who was a church member, and thanks to the Rotary Club for the Christmas lights.

Thanks to Sandra Parnell for keeping on the trail to find a larger tree and to Richard Butler for putting up the lights.

I would also like to thank The Rolling Base for the wonderful free activities they provided, including the much-needed snow to make it feel like Christmas. The 96 staff who put up our tree in the foyer (donated by Tesco), and the Red Cross for keeping us safe.

Thanks must also go to town staff for co-ordinating and arranging the event and the stewards for keeping order.

We must not forget the town councillors for their support, Borehamwood Brass for their rousing music, Taylor Wimpey for its donation, and thanks Santa for keeping the grotto open for so long. This was a first for the town.

A great big thank-you to Christine, Mel and Kelly for organising the free cakes and collecting for my mayor’s charity the Poppy Appeal.

Thanks to Len and Carol Denbigh, Tricia and Fred Grimes, from the Royal British Legion for selling raffle tickets, and museum volunteer Rod for making sure the tree was switched on at the same time as the Christmas lights.

To all who made it possible by playing a part, large or small, it was truly a community event.

We also say thank you for the donated raffle prizes — Hertsmere Leisure, Reel Cinema and Images hairdressers in Croxdale Road.

The BBC Band were on top form. We are so privileged to have such a talented group of musicians visit our town. The choice of music was superb. This year we welcomed a new presenter Roger Limb. He had a hard act to follow after Keith Clement retired in June. He certainly rose to the occasion and Keith was keeping a watching eye in the audience. Robert Morley was on top form.

Councillor Pat Strack

Town Hillside ward