Sun-powered festive lights

The 400 glow lamps which adorn the village centre's annual Christmas tree are being powered by the sun.

Felpham Village Conservation Society decided to capitalise on the area's sunny reputation, even in the middle of winter, by harnessing its power to provide some festive joy to the area.

The society's committee bought eight strings of the lamps after it proved impossible to arrange for mains electricity to be supplied to the tree in Felpham Road.

High fuel bills made traders reluctant to help out, even in exchange for some money, and it was not possible to tap into the street lamps' electricity supply.

Committee member Joan Aubrey Jones said: "Each string has a sensor attached which is dependent on the sun for charging to power the light bulbs.

"The disadvantages are that the light is not very strong and we have to wait for dusk for the light to be switched on automatically.

"However, the great advantage is that this is a green solution and is saving electricity.

"It is hoped that the effect will be improved by adding more strings and placing them very carefully to avoid shadows falling on bulbs and sensors."

The tree, at 23ft high, is the biggest and most luxuriant the society has ever bought from the Goodwood estate.

It was installed and lit up by a team from Town Force led by Chris Ingham.

The society is also celebrating Christmas by holding a dinner tonightat Middleton Sports Club. Tickets, priced 20, are still available from events secretary Barbara Ibbot on 01243 822062.

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