Halloween and Light... and lots of fun!

About three dozen children and adults took part in a Halloween and Light Parade in Oadby on Wednesday, October 31.

The event was run by the Rotary Club of Oadby to provide a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy some seasonal fun but without being scared themselves and without frightening residents.

Club secretary and event organiser Derek Humphreys said: "We share the concerns of the police, local authorities, residents and indeed the Leicester Mercury's poster campaign that children who go trick-or-treating at Halloween put themselves at risk and often frighten residents, particularly elderly people living alone.

"The Rotary Club thought it might be better to have a well-organised event with plenty of supervision and the emphasis on fun, not fear."

About 20 Rotary Club of Oadby members and their partners made sure that the children stayed safe and behaved responsibly. Every child walker was given a light wand to keep. They walked from the Old Library pub along The Parade and back via Sandhurst Street.

"We are delighted by the response," said Mr Humphreys after the event. "This is the first time we have held the parade and we had no idea how many people would take part. It is clear from the laughs and the smiles the children had on their faces that we achieved our goal."

A spin-off benefit was the sponsorship which many of the walkers attracted. They were asked to choose two of five charities to support; The Rotary Club of Oadby Charitable Trust, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (suggested by the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston, Councillor Lynda Eaton), the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, the Leicester Children's Holiday Centre and the children's disability charity Menphys.

At the Rotary Club's weekly luncheon meeting on November 1 members were tasked with counting the money to be given to each charity.

"We are grateful to all participants and the organisations who helped and advised us, including the police, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and the Oadby Stakeholders Forum," said club president Mr David Knight.

"Our marshals heard lots of very positive comments from participants and from residents, some of whom told us they were often afraid every Halloween," said Mr Knight.

He particularly thanked the pub landlord; mayor Mrs Eaton, who brought along a large tin of sweets for walkers and helpers; and the St John Ambulance volunteers who were on standby in case of injury but were not needed, and the team from Crosscounties radio who played music and recorded interviews with the helpers and walkers.

Mrs Eaton was one of several people who said they looked forward to taking part again next year.

The Rotary club certainly demonstrated that they could hold such an event, and could have coped with many more walkers.

Anyone who wants to have a free .jpg of the photographs on this page - or who wants to share one on this page - is asked to e-mail the club by clicking here.