It’s all too easy to feel depressed and anxious after watching the national news, but it isn’t all doom and gloom locally.

In fact Ringwood Town Council is keen to stress that although a number of events couldn’t take place, Christmas in the town is certainly not cancelled.

The ‘Winter Wanderland’ is in full swing with a record number of entries this year for the window display competition (and many others who have put on displays but didn’t enter). More than 700 people voted for their favourites.  In addition, there will is a ‘Follow the Star’ arranged by the churches and a ‘Spot the Oddity’ competition with great prizes. Ringwood TV has produced a film highlighting shops and businesses and encouraging everyone to ‘support local this December’.

Father Christmas arrived secretly to turn on the spectacular lights and the Ringwood TV video of that event has found its way around the globe with over 11,000 views and counting (not to mention the thousands of views of the earlier messages from Santa).

The Rotary collection for Christmas presents for disadvantaged children is in full swing and thanks to Round Table, Santa has been touring the town in his sleigh on numerous occasions over the last few days much to the gleeful surprise of the youngest members of the community.

On Sunday, 20 December, Churches together have arranged two ‘drive in’ Community Carol Services at 4pm and 6pm. in the Long Stay car park but tickets have to be strictly controlled thanks to Covid restrictions.

The church bells will be rung at 6pm on Christmas Eve and everyone is invited to stand on their doorsteps, ring a bell and maybe sing a carol or two with their (socially distanced) neighbours.  The bells will also ring on Christmas morning.

Keep an eye on the Ringwood TV and Town Council Facebook pages (and the Town Council website) for videos and for the winners of all the different competitions.

Cllr Philip Day, chairman of the Ringwood Events Team said, “None of this would be possible without the support of sponsors, volunteers and of course the residents of our wonderful town who have joined in and who are supporting our local businesses.  “They are all far too numerous to mention but thank you one and all and may I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a rather better New Year than 2020.”