Throwing light on 'poached' illuminations
My article and photographs just before Christmas, regarding how the city's traders "poached" London's Regent Street lights to attract shoppers to Leicester High Street, lit a bulb for reader Donald Ford.
"I read your article with interest, as I was very involved with and supervised the lights' installation," says Mr Ford, of Groby.
"I worked for the Midland Dynamo Company, who provided the materials and labour for display.
"The illuminations were erected for two years. It was to have been three years, but the third year never took place.
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"The giant lanterns were stored between use at premises on Belgrave Road, somewhere near the old Belgrave cinema.
"It took four electricians about three weeks, working at night, to erect the equipment.
"They had use of a portable tower belonging to the street lighting department, which they had to collect and return each day, pushing it from Rutland Street to High Street and back again.
"I also remember Mr Crowe, of Rose's Fashion Centre, very well.
"After the switch-on by the lord mayor, there was a reception held in the restaurant at the Co-operative store, in High Street. I hope you find the above of some interest."
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