UDDINGSTON PRIDE HOSTED THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY ON SUNDAY 6th DECEMBER 2009.

The event was so well supported by the community in years gone by that we got permission to close a short section of the Bellshill Road which allowed the local dance group Dance Dynamic to give two performances to the delight of many spectators, friends and relatives. Stalls by Uddingston Pride and St,Andrew's Hospice were busy offering mulled wine, hot chestnuts, and festive items for sale. Valuable prizes were on offer at the very busy Tombola Stall and you could sponsor a light  on the Village Christmas Tree for a loved one or as a donation in support of the Hospice.

The crowds enjoyed carol singing from the Nazarene Church Choir and music by both the  Salvation Army Band (Motherwell Branch) and the Uddingston Pipe Band. The bandsmen enjoyed festive cheer courtesy of Tunnocks.

Santa toured the main shopping area by car and then distributed sweets as he wandered amongst the crowds of children in the company of Mickey Mouse.

The Main Street shops were open for business and enjoyed a lively afternoon by participating in "The Cuckoo in the Nest" competition for children.

The centre piece of the afternoon was the unveiling of The Nativity Scene in the window of Wylie and Lochhead's premises followed by the choirs of St.John the Baptist and Muiredge schools singing to a packed audience in Park Church. The ladies of Park Church very kindly provided tea, coffee and baking to warm everyone up from the brisk winter chill as did W&L at The Cross.

The winners of the Best Window display and the children's competition are still to be announced.

Thanks are due to the Churches and all the local businesses who supported the Open Day and ,of course, to the groups who gave of their time and talents to ensure that the Christmas Open Day was great success. Plans are already in the pipeline for an expanded day next year if we can persuade the SLC to close the road again.