A Paralympic gold medallist from Marlow will do the honours of switching on the town’s Christmas lights this year.
Naomi Riches MBE is a crucial part of Marlow’s sporting renown and history – with the famed rower choosing its high street as the place to install her gold post box after a first-place win in the 2012 Paralympics.
The sportswoman, who moved to Marlow in 2008, more than qualifies as a full Marlovian – but will cement that status by switching on the town’s Christmas light display for the first time this year on Thursday, November 21.
Naomi, who was diagnosed with severe visual impairment when she was very young, exceeded all expectations when, during her first decade as a rower, she won six world titles and competed at two Paralympic Games – then moved Thames-side, where she continues to train at the local rowing club.
She described Marlow as “a very special town”, adding: “It welcomed me as an already successful athlete in 2008, then supported me through the highs and lows of my GB rowing career, so it was the only possible choice for my 2012 gold post box.”
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Mayor David Brown added: “We’re delighted that Naomi has agreed to do our celebrity switch on this year. She has been part of the Marlow community ever since she moved here, supporting local businesses, charities and community events with enthusiasm.
“We look forward to seeing her light up our wonderful Christmas lights display.”
The annual switch-on event will begin at 6pm, with ‘snow’ falling along the high street and street entertainers out in force to welcome in the festive season.
The display means the high street will be closed on November 21 between 3:30pm and 8pm.