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Bright Karl sets a shining example
One family home is really showing some Christmas spirit this month.
The Beetson family's house in Torrington Road, Wellingborough, will be aglow every evening right through Christmas, as the family switch on their spectacular Christmas decorations, worth thousands of pounds.
Karl Beetson, 19, is the driving force behind the display, which he is running in aid of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Karl uses high-tech computer equipment to synchronise the light displays to Christmas music. The equipment is not on sale in the UK, and was shipped over from America.
Let the Evening Telegraph know about your festive lights by calling 01536 506153 or emailing et.newsdesk@northantsnews.co.uk.
Karl said: "There are only about 10 home displays in the country with this sort of computer technology, from what I have heard from the supplier in America.
"I have programmed about 12 different light shows using it, with different music for each.
"There are carols and a few pop songs by people like Mariah Carey, Wizzard and Slade, as well as the theme from The Snowman."
Karl can set up 32 different light pieces which come on and off independently. This makes it possible to make fantastic choreographed light compositions to wow the spectators.
But getting such a huge display set up is no easy feat – Karl says he has spent about 100 hours rigging up the lights, as well as more time spent programming the displays.
His dad, Alan, also lends a hand with setting up the lights – and pays the electricity bill.
Karl said: "He's fine about it all.
"He can moan a bit when we are putting them up and taking them down, but he doesn't mind about the bill."
Asked what drives him to set up the display, which has been growing steadily for years, Karl said: "I just really enjoy Christmas.
"I love being able to stand outside and switch it all on via remote control and see it light up."
To follow Karl's fundraising progress visit www.karlschristmasdisplay.co.uk.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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