2 neighbours in Whitwell have for years joked about how one makes more of an effort than the other, so this year all the stops have been pulled out – by placing a ditto sign in the garden.
For nearly a decade the Thornton family of Bannock Road have decorated their bungalow with a huge array of lights for the festive period, adding more and more each year. It is now considered one of the largest displays on the Island!
The comical ‘ditto’ sign has this week appeared in the Hooley family’s front garden, bringing joy and laughter to the village and all those visiting the Thornton’s display this Christmas.
Mr Thornton of Bannock Road Christmas Lights said:
“For the past couple of years we have joked with our next door neighbour and kept asking when they are going to make an effort. This year, all the stops were pulled out in creating a ‘ditto’ sign in their front garden!
“This has backfired on us slightly though as everyone has been laughing, joking and praising the ‘ditto’ sign more than our display!”
Since 2017, the Bannock Road display has been raising money for charity with Whitwell Church, MND Association, Mind and Mountbatten all benefitting from monies raised. This year, the display is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society, with hopes that more than £950 can be raised to beat last year’s record.
Collection boxes are located at either corner of the display for those who wish to give, however big or small. Donations can also be made via GoFundMe by visiting www.bannocklights.co.uk.
Bannock Road is featured as number 30 on this year’s Light up the Wight Christmas Lights map, brought to you by Island Echo and sponsored by Southern Vectis. You can download the map and vote for your favourite display at www.islandecho.co.uk/xmas.
Within a 5-10 minute drive of Whitwell are other Light up the Wight displays such as West Street in Wroxall and Spanners Close in Chale Green.
The Thorntons add:
“We would like to thank each and everyone that comes and visits our display, it means so much to us to know that people from across the Island from all ages can stop, have a gaze at our creation and hopfully raise some spitits!
“We are always looking at ways to expand and make next year’s display better, with plans already underway!”
I saw this this evening and thought it was funny.
thank
L ee
Absolutely fantastic, raising money for charities, giving adults a smile and children the wow factor and most of all giving everyone some brightness in our lives when it’s a bit bleak. Looking forward to next year’s display(s). Take care ⛄⛄
Ditto….
Brilliant. .
Very festive, plus breaking news just seen santa in East cowes well done to all.