The Watford community is coming together to share their love and appreciation for a man who has raised thousands with his annual Christmas lights display, as this year is sadly expected to be his last celebration.
Dave Edwards - commonly known as ‘Mr Christmas’ - has been the pinnacle of Christmas cheer in the Watford and Croxley community, after holding eye-catching festive decorations and lights for the past 42 years.
But the unfortunate deterioration of his health after being unwell with cancer has meant this Christmas could be his last.
Dave Edwards, AKA 'Mr Christmas'
The Christmas house in Lancing Way, Croxley Green, has raised money every year for different charities, as hundreds traditionally gather to watch a switch-on event.
This year things will be different due to the current lockdown, with a private ‘final’ switch-on event being shared to the public on Saturday (November 14).
Dave Edwards with his family in the pre-recorded switch-on
The tradition began as Mr Edwards competed in a lights display competition with a house across the street – but the colourful and extraordinary displays caught the eyes of locals, and over time became a popular attraction and event to kick-off the Christmas period.
Coral Francesca, a close family friend, said that the annual switch-on marks the start of Christmas to her after attending the site for many years.
She said: “Dave is literally like the grandad that everyone wants. He is so nice – no one can say a bad word about Dave, he will put you first, even when we didn’t know him and just went to the house for the switch-on, he’d always make sure everyone’s having a good time.
“For me the Christmas House is the start of Christmas, I don’t actually start my Christmas shopping or put any decorations up until the house is on.
“The lights, for a lot of people in the community, just brings a lot of people together.”
The stunning Christmas lights decorations
She continued: “The Christmas House is probably my favourite place on the planet to be honest. Most people will find me there most of the time when the lights are on, just admiring the lights and the work the team put in.”
“I know when Dave is no longer with us and the Christmas House is not lit up anymore, it’s definitely going to be different and it will affect a lot of people.
“It affects everybody because Dave is such a well-known character around everywhere really, he’s just one in a million. He really is the meaning of Christmas.”
His daughter, Sharon Markham, told the BBC that her father was “struggling” but she believes her father is holding on for the event.
Daughter Sharon Markham (left) and Dave Edwards (right)
And now a #LetsLightUpCroxley fundraising campaign is spreading across Croxley for the public to show their appreciation and support to the family.
The campaign encourages residents to light up their windows and houses this Saturday and raise money for Mr Edwards and his family – a separate fundraiser from Mr Edwards’ final fundraiser to charity.
The event has always been known for its extravagant displays
Family friend Amber Clarke, who is among the community group encouraging for others to contribute, explained she has attended the switch-on every year since moving to Croxley with her mother at the age of four.
And more recently she became “part of the magic” by dressing as elves and helping out with the events.
Residents in Croxley are trying to do their part
She said: “It’s got bigger and bigger every year, last year we took our five-year-old girl to meet the princesses, and you can imagine that was the highlight of her life.
“Clearly, he (Dave) is one of the most caring, kind, giving people. If you grew up in Croxley or come from Croxley – everyone knows who he is.
“Our Light Up Croxley thing is to try and thank him for what he does best with the lights, but other than that it’s also thanking him for everything he’s done – not just for charity – but for me and my children as well.”
Councillor Chris Lloyd, Lead member for Leisure and Durrants ward Councillor, said: “Dave has worked tirelessly over many years with the Christmas Lights. In recent years Lancing Way has been closed as hundreds have people have come to the turning on.
"Dave has raised money for many charities over the years. The community really appreciates what he done for our community. when we have had visitors at Christmas young and old we will walk round to look at the Christmas lights"
Councillor Stephanie Singer, Durrants ward Councillor also shared praise and said: "Every year I visit Dave Edwards' Christmas lights, and every year I marvel at the ingenuity of each new addition. His lighting display has truly been a Wonder of Croxley Green, which Piccadilly itself could not equal!
"His work with many charities has been welcomed far and wide, and will be greatly missed I'm sure. I send the warmest Season's Greetings to him and his family."
To donate to the family support fundraiser, visit here. https://gf.me/u/y79wsb
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here