The Noble family spent months transforming their driveway into “Terror on Tallend” at their Clavering home – a self-funded display brought to life for just one night in aid of Alice House Hospice. Everything was free, including the sweets. Last year, more than 900 people visited, helping the family raise more than £1,000.
But they again faced stiff competition from the McKenzie family whose home is on Rift House’s Thackeray Road – and just as scary!
Proud dad Pete Noble said: “The building, painting and preparation all happen around my full-time work and life with three children. It’s become a real family commitment, with the children out on the drive helping to build and bring it all together. My eldest is only 14 and has been helping me for years. My youngest, now 10, pitches in too. They put their own time and enthusiasm into creating something special for other families while supporting our hospice.”
He went on: “The experience goes beyond the decorations. We dress up and take on characters for the night, and family friends now join us too, giving their time to help bring the display to life. Together, we create an immersive Halloween experience for the trick-or-treaters, with costumes, characters and plenty of surprises. Nobody is paid — everyone takes part to give families a memorable night and help raise money for the hospice.”
Andrea McKenzie told Life: “We started doing Halloween about seven years ago when my grandchildren were small. We started with a small gazebo with a few decorations, giving hot dogs, sweets, cakes and a drink. After seeing the excitement on the children’s faces, we knew we had to make it an annual thing.”
She added: “During the lead up to Halloween, we would have children knocking on the door to see if we were making our house scary. We have now taken over our neighbours’ gardens and try to add something new every year. We all know times are hard, so making Halloween something memorable makes it all worthwhile. I couldn’t do this without the help of family and friends.”
