By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
HAVE you heard about the Macclesfield Christmas display?
Phil and Fiona Spencer have been decorating their Macclesfield home at Christmas for the last four years to raise funds for the local volunteer CFA.
The lights and decorations have become a spectacle around the area and beyond, and Phil and Fiona are expecting an unprecedented number of visitors for what will be the last Christmas display. This year, it will feature two life-sized nutcrackers and a gingerbread house for guests to explore and enjoy as well as the annual miniature village display.
For younger kids, there will be a train set and soft toys, ensuring Christmas cheer for all ages.
Fiona says the Christmas display is a year-long project, with planning and preparation beginning on Christmas night last year.
“We spend months creating a Christmas wonderland for everyone to enjoy.
“Every year there is something different. We have loved planning, designing and creating the Christmas display every year.”
The Spencers’ home has become renowned within the local community and a favourite on the Melbourne Christmas light circuit. Fiona says the planning and construction of the display is their gift to the hills community.
“We love seeing the joy it brings to people, it’s just a really nice thing to do at Christmas time.”
Macclesfield Volunteer CFA Captain Sharon Merritt said the Christmas display raised essential funds that would go towards buying the station a brigade-owned tanker two. The new tanker would have the capacity to transport between 2000 and 3000 litres of water and could prove vital in an area where water supplies were limited.
“The Christmas display will again be a major fund-raiser for the brigade and bring us closer to buying a new tanker for the CFA.
“It’s been a very successful fund-raiser in the last few years. Phil and Fiona’s hard work is enjoyed by community but we will also see a lasting benefit in the donation to the CFA.”
For those who avoid shopping centres during December or are looking for a unique gift, the display will also be selling Christmas presents.
Toys and books from local business “Echindas on the Loose” and paintings by Lysterfield artist Jodie Cooper will be among the items for sale.
With glowing reviews of previous years and the promise of going out on a high, this year’s Macclesfield Christmas display is one not to be missed.
Sharon assures it will be well worth the trip for locals or for those who have come from across Melbourne.
“Every year it’s just fabulous – better than the Myer Christmas windows.”
Admission is $5 per person or $2 for children under seven, and all proceeds benefit the Macclesfield Volunteer CFA. The display is located at 515 Macclesfield Rd, Macclesfield and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Christmas as well as Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December.
