As you may be aware, each year the Baumber’s Christmas Lights Switch on is an event in Penistone not to be missed. Sadly, due to coronavirus, it will not be possible to have the usual get together outside 18 Long Furlong, so this year we are doing a Facebook live event! From the comfort of your own home, you can watch a few words spoken by the great man himself, Stephen, followed by the switch on. There will be no fireworks this year.

Over the years Stephen, Jo, Mia and Charlie have raised over £3,800 to support local charities – and this year will be no different. Last year over £800 was raised to support the Happy Café in Penistone. This year all funds raised will be used locally to support people with mental health, including the installation of a “talking/buddy” bench. Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. The talking/buddy bench will be there to anyone who simply wants to have a chat.

There will be a collection bucket outside 18 Long Furlong (emptied nightly), but for those who are in self-isolation we have set up a Just Giving Page.

On behalf of the Baumber’s – Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!