These were expanded on over the years to take in all of Church Street, Bell Street and High Street, and then parts of West Street and London Road. But with these lights now having reached the end of their shelf life,there was a possibility the guild might not put up any at all for this Christmas. However,buoyed by a 5,000 grant from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the guild has decided to dig deep into its own resources and go with a scaled down lighting scheme.
A Golf Day organised by guild chairman and construction businessman Jes Chandler,at Reigate Hill Golf Club in September drew a large response from firms and raised 3,400 for the lights appeal. And with town newcomer Starbucks, the coffee house chain, making a surprise 1,000 donation, the guild will be dipping into its own reserves to make up the money needed.