Tommy the Egg Man to Turn on Xmas Lights? YES!!!
Two Bedlington students have started an online campaign to give a well respected local man the chance to turn on the Christmas lights.
Not wanting to be brushed off with a cliche Z-list celebrity event, Sian Darbyshire and Luke Charlton have taken it upon themselves to make sure a real local celebrity takes on the role.
“Tommy the Egg Man”, as he is affectionately known, is regularly seen walking the streets and is known by almost everybody in the town.
Speaking on the specially formed Facebook group which now has over 350 450 600 1200 members, local resident Claire Bartie, said: “i think this is a brill idea tommy is lovely and always says hello ever since i was in middle school he always spoke to us all i defo vote for tommy!!!!!”
One of the groups creators, Sian Darbyshire, said: “I (and many others) feel this legend of a man deserves to turn the lights on in Bedlington. If Tommy does get the chance to turn the lights on because of this group we will all have made an old man very happy”
We caught up with Tommy on the street and asked him for comment. He very modestly played down his new found fame and instead wanted to chat about how the town’s kids were a “great lot” who often received unnecessary criticism. He did agree to pose for a photo.
This years event promises to be an extra special affair following the completion of the Market Place regeneration scheme. The lights are due to be switched on at 5:30pm on Thursday 3rd December.
Do you think Tommy should switch on the lights this year? Join the Facebook group, have your say in the online poll or leave your comments below.
Update: 30th November 2009, 3:10pm
We are pleased to be able to report that Tommy Will be switching the lights on this year. Congratulations to all involved!
Special thanks go to Northumberland County Council and this years event organisers Benet Enterprises. Set up by St Benet Biscop High School, Benet Enterprises aims to to encourage enterprise in young people. Without the understanding of these two groups and the performers themselves (Local student group EVENTUAL) none of this would be possible.
Update: 5th December 2009, 9:18pm – Added BBC Radio Newcastle Broadcasts
Breakfast Show with Neisha Koshey, Charlie and Alfie and Andrew Millne
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Live Broadcast with Chris Hodder, Andrew Millne, Sian Darbyshire, “The Pixies” and Tommy!
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i hope you get your wish about tommy the egg man . i think he deserves to be recognised i my self hope he has the chance to switch the lights on.
tommy is a well recognised happy chappy with a heart of gold, good luck xx
Thanks for the good wishes.. we have over 470 members in the group already and it has only been online for 27 hours.. the official bedlington xmas lights turn on group has less than 300 members.
xx
Well I think its a GREAT idea…….. good luck
Absolutely! Tommy the Egg Man is always so happy and never short of waves and hello’s. He definitely has the feel good factor and he’s absolutely got my vote! Lyn Horton – works at St Benet Biscop Catholic High School
tommy for the win !!!!!!!!!!!!!
tommy for lights
I love tommy. He’s great and always says hello. Up with Tommy!
i hope you have a great time tommy, switching on the xmas lights
There gonna have to get a shift on the workmen were still working at 4.50 tonight, plus there did not appear to be any lights on the tree yet! lol..
Lights going on tomorrow in case they get pinched
Tommy was fab on the night! We had a great time and it was lovely to see Bedlington soooo busy! Well done everyone for a fantastic event!
I was working, however he was apparently very dignified and proud I think he or some other “local” celeb should do it every year.
Well done Tommy
andrew have you got any pictures of t5he night?
Yeah I’ve got a few, not many though. Was quite a busy night. I’ll quickly stick a video together and upload the pics to the galleries. If anybody else has video or pics stick them in the Tommy the Egg Man Xmas 2009 Gallery.
andrew do you know where i can listin to the radio report on tommy?
Yep it’s they’re on the BBC iPlayer but if you give me 10 minutes I’ve been sent copies so I’ll upload them here.
OK Ryan done.
EXCLUSIVE: The ‘Egg man’ turns on Bedlington Christmas lights!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4afx9dQqhDc