We are now well into the middle of January so it’s about time we all started thinking about Christmas. After all, there are only 340 shopping days left to go.

Ok, perhaps not. Although I’m sure I saw some mince pies on sale at Morrisons last week.

It may not be time to start thinking about putting up the tree just yet, however the dedicated folk responsible for the Christmas decorations in Slaithwaite village centre don’t have the same luxury. As soon as the lights come down from the lampposts they have to start thinking about where the money is going to come from to do it all again next year.

On Tuesday March 15th the Monsoon curry restaurant on Britannia Road, Slaithwaite is putting on a curry night in order to help kick start the fund-raising for 2012′s lights.

Tickets are £12.50 each and are available from Pink Kissimo, HD Seven and Green Valley Grocer, or by emailing slaithwaitecommunitycentre@hotmail.com

As well as bringing a bit of festive cheer, the lights and the associated switching on ceremony helps build identity and community spirit in Slaithwaite. However each year the lights cost around £6000 to put on and maintain, and he money needs to come from somewhere(I know! £6000! I’ve offered them some battery powered fairy lights I found in my attic but I’ve not heard back from them yet.)

If nothing else it’s an excuse to go and pig out on curry in the name of a good cause. Mmmmm curry.

Photo by George Deputee. Used under the Creative Commons License.