Watch out Kylie and Wham! Sidmouth has released its own Christmas hit this year as the town once again rallies behind the town’s festive Rotary appeal.
A Devon town’s very own Christmas song was used to kickstart a community group’s charity drive that will see it deliver around 1,400 presents to those in need, writes local democracy reporter Bradley Gerrard.
The upbeat and catchy Wrapped in Sidmouth song – which was penned and produced by one of the town’s longstanding councillors, Stuart Hughes (Conservative, Sidmouth Sidford) – has added an extra festive element to Sidmouth Rotary Club’s seasonal appeal.
The song takes the appeal a step further, after the group created a video last year that was shown in the town’s cinema for three weeks to help promote the Rotary Club’s efforts.
Councillor Mike Goodman (Conservative, Sidmouth Sidford ) said: “People in Sidmouth know about the appeal because of the film and I had residents coming up to me saying ‘can I come and help wrap’, which was brilliant as it was a lot of work to get all those gifts wrapped.
‘Wrapped in Sidmouth’ was penned and produced by one of the town’s longstanding councillors, Stuart Hughes.
Photo: Stuart Hughes.
Cllr Hughes, who runs a music production company that specialises in recording, lyrics and jingles, has been involved in music that has gained followers in the US and Europe, with some songs even charting in Nigeria and Holland.
“I did the song for Mike Goodman and the Rotary Appeal as it’s a really good cause,” he said, noting that he had also sung the festive number but used a computer programme to alter the sound of his voice.
“He’s been running it for a few years and wanted a different angle on it so hopefully the song will help boost the amount of money and goods they get in.
“I take my hat off to everyone involved, as the Rotary Christmas Appeal is brilliant and long may it continue.”
The festive lyrics, written and produced by Stuart, shine a spotlight on how the town cares for its residents over the Christmas holidays, with gifts and food for families and those needing a boost, while highlighting the businesses and organisations involved.
The lyrics include:
When the frost hits the windows and the lights start to glow
Sidmouth comes alive in the Christmas show
From Fields to the Post office the boxes appear, with Gliddons, the rugby club, St John’s School, Waitrose spreading good cheer.
For Sidmouth rolling with a sleigh on wheels, a bath full of gifts, it’s the Rotary feel
It’s the Sidmouth Rotary Appeal
Bringing joy that everyone can feel
From little ones to grannies, it’s a festive meal, wrapped in love
The Sidmouth Rotary Appeal
The cricket club’s buzzing, it’s mission HQ
With hampers and helpers, and raffle prizes too
Exeter Chiefs and the football trust play, with kids and match tickets lighting the way, Devon and town councils gave grants with zeal, backing the Sidmouth Rotary Appeal
So, sing it out loud, let the whole town know, Sidmouth’s got heart and a holiday glow
From businesses giving to kids who squeal, we’re all part of the Rotary appeal
It’s the biggest one-off gift Sidmouth can give helping families and elders truly live
Fields spread the word through every aisle and Sidmouth keeps giving with a festive smile
Together we shine, together we heal, together we sing, the Sidmouth Rotary appeal.
It’s the Sidmouth rotary appeal
Bringing joy that everyone can feel
From little ones to grannies, it’s a festive meal, wrapped in love
The Sidmouth Rotary appeal…
The group, which has been delivering Christmas gifts and food hampers to the likes of elderly and vulnerable residents since 2021, believes it can outdo its huge efforts from last year.
The song is set to a video highlighting the work that goes on behind the annual festive appeal.
Image: Sidmouth Rotary Club/YouTube.
Councillor Mike Goodman (Conservative, Sidmouth Sidford) said the group delivered 1,300 presents and 60 hampers in 2024.
“This year, though, we’re taking on more and are hoping to deliver 120-130 hampers and 1,400 presents to people in need across Sidmouth, including the elderly,” he said.
“The people of Sidmouth are just fantastic and we had lots of people involved last year who we hope will help again, and more.”
Cllr Goodman said the town’s cricket club would be the notional operations centre where presents would be wrapped and stored ahead of the delivery in December.
He urged local people to come forward to help spare any time they could, and praised local businesses, charities and organisations for their generosity so far in donating items to the gift drive or the group’s raffle, including Exeter City Football Club, Exeter Chiefs, South West Water and Waitrose.
- Additional reporting: Becca Gliddon
