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A Bass Coast Kind Of ChristmasChristmas is just around the corner and the spirit of Christmas is evident right across the Bass Coast Shire. By Bass Coast Shire - 2nd December 2005 - Back to News Roll out the banners
The roll out of Christmas decorations will start next week. Starfish banners incorporating a coastal flavour into the traditional Christmas star will go up in all the major townships (Inverloch, Grantville, Cowes, San Remo and Wonthaggi) in the coming week. Christmas garlands will also be erected in the central area of Wonthaggi.
Christmas lights are scheduled to go up mid December, with fairy lights decorating a number of cypress trees in Cowes. The Friends of Thompson Avenue Cypress Trees group have given their blessing for the decoration of the trees, which will add that extra sprinkle of Christmas magic to Cowes for the festive season.
Bridge dressing
Christmas banners for the Phillip Island bridge will not be erected until closer to Christmas. Council’s Special Events Officer Frank Angarane explained the timing for the bridge decorations.
"Unfortunately, on the bridge we have to deal with a big wear and tear factor," said Mr Angarane.
"The banners are really exposed to the elements on the bridge, particularly the wind. Because of this, they get damaged very easily.
"We like to put the bridge decorations up later in December, so they are nice and fresh for the Christmas period.
Decoration extension
Council is looking into the possibility of extending the Christmas decorations into smaller centres in the Shire for next year. Most of these centres aren’t currently being decorated as the infrastructure to erect the banners isn’t available.
Christmas Light Competition
Members of the community are being encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit, by taking part in the Christmas Light Competition.
Council is looking for the best Christmas light decorated house, shop and street in the Shire. Nominations need to be received by Friday, 9 December in order to be eligible for the judging, which will take place between 12 -16 December.
Winners in each section will receive prize money to assist with their Christmas decorations.
People are also encouraged to take part in the People’s Choice award, by nominating a house or shop that is particularly inspiring or eye-catching.
Nomination forms are available at Council offices, on the website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au or by contacting Council’s Arts and Leisure Coordinator Jenny Churchill on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Singing Songs of Christmas
As well as dressing up for Christmas, Bass Coast is hosting a series of Carols nights for everyone to enjoy. Carols by Candlelight nights will be held at Churchill Island on Sunday 4 December and the Inverloch Community Hall on Saturday 10 December. Wonthaggi Carols by Candlelight will take place at Wisharts Reserve on Sunday 18 December and Cowes will celebrate with Carols by the Bay on Tueday 20 December.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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