We began to setup our 2016 display during the first week of October believing that we had allowed ourselves plenty of time,
however, despite devoting all of our available time to the project we found that the last two weeks (prior to the "Official
Lights On" on December 11th) was quite a rush.
From the beginning of October until December 11th it rained on 24 days and we had a couple of days of high temperatures.
On the rainy days we concentrated on checking the lights and other display items to ensure that everything was ready when
the rain stopped, or did our shopping and other jobs that needed to be done.
By "Lights On" the display was ready but, during the early hours of 28th December, there was a severe storm with very
strong winds and we received over 100mm of rain in about 4 hours causing damage to our display, as well as a power outage
which lasted for 14 hours, luckily it was restored in time for the evenings display.
The evening before the storm we were enjoying the reflections in the rain!
Our yard display covers our whole front yard and took 9 weeks to set up.
First Peg prepared the garden itself, then she set out the display, and our sons put up the roof display.
I help where I can, however, due to my health, my input is limited.
When we began our display, in the1980's, yard displays were not available, so we made our own, Peg sketched the characters so
I could cut them out and then she painted them.
Wooden cut-outs are a feature of our display.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our Disney Scene was one of the first displays that we made... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... it has always been a favourite with our visitors. (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our Nativity Scene is a special piece to remind us all what Christmas is really about.
Peg spent many hours painting it giving special attention to the detail. (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
The wooden sleigh and reindeer, which I made, has been a feature of our display for over 20 years. (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
There are many old wooden cut-outs throughout our display, some are up to 25 years old. (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Noël is French for Christmas,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...and, since our surname is of French origin,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...we decided to add a French touch to our display.
Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas) (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our Australiana Scene is one of our newest... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...creations, it is only 3 years old... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...and is situated near the entrance to our display.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our Singing, Dancing Santa greats our visitors... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...as they walk along our verandah,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...he has been a favourite for many years.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Santa's helicopter has also... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...been a favourite with our visitors... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
...since we aquired it a few years ago.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Santa pops up everywhere in our display, ... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... his hot air balloon was a new addition for 2016,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... he uses many methods of transport.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our display has a variety of features,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... wooden cut-outs,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... and lights.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
Our garden, which Peg designed,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... constructed and maintains,... (Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
... is often commented on by our many visitors.
(Photo Bill Chartres 2016)
