Christmas window displays congratulated by High Bailiff

December.JUDGING of the annual Henley-in-Arden Court Leet Christmas Window Dressing Competition took place on Saturday 10

Seven members of the Court Leet were on the judging panel, including High Bailiff Norman Kench, Low Bailiff Graham Smith, and the town crier Les Long.

They inspected 25 retail units, followed by coffee at the Henley Bakery, courtesy of the High Bailiff, where they added up their scores and discussed their findings. Marks were awarded for creativity, originality, colour and impact.

The winner was Lemon Tree Flowers, run by Sarah Allcock, who is mace bearer for the Court Leet, for creatively setting out the window, for the effective use of colour and display of Christmas items around the flowers.

Norman Kench presented a certificate to Sharon Jones, butter weigher for the Court Leet, who was running the shop on the Saturday morning.

In second place was Tissingtons Opticians, who had created a lovely Christmas setting. The shop was closed on the Saturday morning and a certificate was presented to the opticians at a later date.

In third place was the Shakespeare Hospice who created an all embracing Christmas scene, overlooked by the Snow Queen. The High Bailiff presented the award to Jo Watling, the shop manager.

Each were awarded with a certificate of commendation from the Court Leet, recognising their efforts and also a generous donation from Court Leet funds.

Also commended, was Sue Dalby Catering’s display, which showed a number of colourfully-created letters to Father Christmas, from pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, in Henley.

The High Bailiff said: “All the traders who took part should be congratulated for their excellent displays, which did great credit to our wonderful town.”

The Court Leet will welcome the Morris Men to Henley, at 12noon on Boxing Day, at the Nags Head, in High Street.