A home in Welling has once again been transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland to raise money for clean water projects in Gambian villages.
Archbishop Jonathan Blake has been delighting his neighbours with elaborate Christmas light displays on Danson Crescent since 2002.
Since 2018, he has used his festive decorations to fundraise for water access in Gambia, helping to provide vital resources to remote communities.
This year’s display is nothing short of magical and the house and garden are adorned with glowing reindeer, shimmering swans, cheerful snowmen, and even a nativity scene.
Bright, colourful lights in reds, blues, greens, and yellows create a dazzling spectacle, capturing the true spirit of Christmas.
Jonathan spends nearly a month setting up the decorations each year and funds the entire display himself, ensuring every donation goes directly to the cause.
In previous years, his efforts have brought clean water to four Gambian villages: Dobong, Tiaba Nyassen, Kusamai, and Sare Gabu.
Archbishop Jonathan Blake has been delighting his neighbours with elaborate Christmas light displays on Danson Crescent since 2002 (Image: Newsquest)
This year, he aims to raise £6,000 to repair storm damage to a water tank in Tiaba and replace a faulty water pump in Sare Gabu.
Any additional funds will go towards providing clean water for a sixth village.
Jonathan, who has travelled to Gambia at his own expense to oversee the projects, explained his motivation in a previous interview with the News Shopper: “When I see children in villages with no water, even while brushing my teeth or taking a shower, I think of them.
“I want to make it possible for children to have clean drinking water this Christmas.”
Archbishop Jonathan Blake has been delighting his neighbours with elaborate Christmas light displays on Danson Crescent since 2002 (Image: Newsquest)
The water systems he helps install include solar-powered pumps, boreholes, and elevated tanks feeding strategically placed standpipes throughout the villages.
The local community digs the trenches for the piping, making the projects a collaborative effort.
Over the years, Jonathan’s fundraising has also supported Gambian students through university and provided schools with sports equipment, books, and kitchen supplies.
His JustGiving page has so far raised £731 towards the £6,000 target.
The lights will be on every evening from 4pm to 10pm throughout December, inviting locals to visit, enjoy the display, and contribute to the life-changing cause.
To donate, visit Jonathan’s JustGiving page.