A Tandragee winter-wonderland that has over the course of the last 13 years raised over £46,000 for charity will sadly no longer be lighting up the December skies.
Tim Hancock – of Tim’s Lights fame – every year since 2013 has been creating a festive wonderland at his orchard county home, 83 Armagh Road.
The fundraising element began in 2013, with the view of raising vital funds for Charlene’s Project and continued thereafter for the benefit of Marie Curie.
But the fascination with collecting colourful Christmas lights and displays actually started around 1999 or 2000 when the Hancock family bought a ‘Santa in Chimney Moulded Figure’ and a ‘Snowman Moulded Figure’, during the sales in a local Christmas shop.
It turned into a passion and hobby of Tim’s that has not only filled families with festive joy but has also kept the “real meaning of Christmas alive”.
Now, as we near the mid-point in the calendar, Tim has with “mixed emotions” announced the Tandragee display has come to an “unexpected and unforeseen end”.
Announcing the decision via social media, Tim said: “I am incredibly grateful to have been able to use the gifts God has given me to glorify Him and to share the REAL meaning of the Christmas season – the birth of Jesus and the hope of the gospel – with so many visitors.
“I am incredibly thankful for your support and your generous giving to Charlene’s Project (2013: £293) and Marie Curie 2014-2025: £46,675.46).
“I am incredibly thankful for all our business supporters and sponsors who made each season so successful.”
And while he is understandably upset to be dimming the lights in county Armagh, he has not entirely abandoned his passion for spreading Christmas cheer!
Continued Tim: “I am sad that 13 years in County Armagh couldn’t have been 15 years, or 25 years, or more but…
“I am expectant and hopeful that God will still use our Broughshane display at Sarah’s and my home to continue to share the REAL meaning and raise more vital funds for worthwhile causes.
“We hope that as many of our supporters as possible will be able to visit our future Broughshane displays.”
Those interested in making the trip to Broughshane, Co Antrim to see the lights this year can follow Tim’s Lights on Facebook to find out more.
