Summer Wine's Burt switches roles

Dec 1 2003 By Katie Campling, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Visitors also got chance to have their picture taken in the style of a Bamforths postcard.

A shop window display contest was judged by chairman of Holme Valley Parish Council, Clr Diane Hall.

At 5pm the heavens opened on a parade which wound its way from the fire station to the Post Office.

Hade Edge Band led the parade, which included Honley Majorettes and members of the Holmfirth-based Turn Again Theatre Company.

Santa's sleigh followed behind along with Tetley shire horses pulling a carriage containing Mr Kwouk, Clr Hall and her husband, parish church representative Graham Smith and Royston Rogers, who acted as president of the Holme Valley Business Association for the day.

He resigned from the full-time role recently.

Mr Kwouk switched on the lights 10 minutes early, due to the weather, and kept the crowd amused while technical difficulties with the display were resolved.

A Christmas wreath was then presented to Mr Smith for the parish church, and Clr Hall presented a shield to the Tourist Information Office, winner of the shop window display contest.

Clr Donald Firth, representing the Kirklees Council Holme Valley area committee, was thanked for a £5,500 grant from the committee which had helped improve the lights.

Mr Rogers said that, along with generous donations from local firms, organisations and residents meant 22 new features could be added to the display this year.

He said the event had been successful, despite the hitches.

He said: "Burt Kwouk was brilliant. We had a few hiccups but it was an excellent response from the public. We would like to thank everyone who helped."