By Claire Cooper

Every Christmas for more than 15 years, families have flocked to a little bungalow in Meadow Lane to enjoy one of the best seasonal displays in Sussex.

From Santa and his elves and reindeers to polar bears and penguins, Dennis and Judy Batchelor’s house and garden becomes the talk of the village during the festive season, with a collection that has grown every year and raised thousands of pounds for charities.

But Christmas 2017 saw the last big showcase as the couple decided to scale down their operation and sell many of the items for charity.

“We are delighted to have raised around £800 and a few items have gone off to new homes,” said Judy. “But there’s a lot left and Dennis is already talking about putting on a smaller display next year.”

Dennis was particularly pleased to hang on to his giant singing and dancing Santa after a £120 bid fell through. “I secretly didn’t want him to go, so he’s safely packed away in the loft ready to make an appearance again next year.”

[Full story on page 14 of February 2018's Lindfield Life]