Window advent in Sheffield community brightens Christmas with Covid

The festive project has seen a new exhibition each night in December and was organised by Paul O’Bentley, aged 36, of Glencoe Road, born from the idea of being “Covid-proof”.

Pitching the idea to residents through a Facebook page and community WhatsApp group, transport manager Mr O’Bentley said the trail can be enjoyed in-keeping with national restrictions.

“Within 24 hours we got 24 houses involved,” he revealed, adding, “We have managed to get houses all the way around Norfolk Park participating.”

A Just Giving page has been set up in tandem with the trail, aiming to raise £1,000 for six local organisations and charities, including the S2 Food Bank and two community primary schools.

Jenny Richardson, aged 69, said that maracas, demijohns, her granddaughter’s paint and husband’s old allotment trousers helped create their nativity window scene.

“You haven’t got the capacity to trail around the shops, so it was like what have we got here that we can cobble something together with. It was fun,” she said.

Commenting on the “exciting buzz” from neighbours wanting to take photos and bring their grandchildren to see the window, she added: “Other people can see it and see that we’re not just a road you can drive through.

“It just feels important as a way of being part of the community and just enjoying Christmas together. It’s a safe way of saying we’re all part of this together.”

Also participating is Adrian Hibbert, aged 59, of Park Grange Drive who has a Santa-themed display, he said: “I can only speak for where we live, I can’t speak for other areas that’re involved, but I think with everyone being in this lockdown, and some people may be struggling with mental health and stuff like that, it gives people a chance to get out and have a little walk around.

“It’s a great idea that Paul’s pulled together.

"He’s put a lot of work into it and I think everyone will have a lot of good fun and it will bring the community a lot closer together.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.