Tracy McGrath's daily texts about lighting up times help brighten her friends' lives

8:40am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News Sarah Hickinbotham By Sarah Davies

SWITCHED-ON: Tracy McGrath texts family and friends. 06237701 SWITCHED-ON: Tracy McGrath texts family and friends. 06237701

THE long, dark nights of winter can take their toll, but one Worcester woman has found a way to spread a bit of cheer in the gloom.

For the past four years, Tracy McGrath, of Warndon Villages has been conducting a streetlight watch, counting down the days until the return of the lighter nights.

The 51-year-old watches the streetlight outside her home most nights between December 21 and February 2 when the evenings are at their darkest.

She then makes a note of the time it switches on and texts her observation to family and friends, together with poignant poetry and quirky quotes.

Examples of her messages also feature lyrics from songs, including a medley of Cliff Richard’s greatest hits in a homage to his Wimbledon appearance when her observation on January 8 was rained off. Throughout the duration of this year’s watch, Worcester has gained more than an hour of daylight.

The grandmother-of-five said: “It’s only a bit of silliness. It was intended to show the very dark part of winter doesn’t actually last very long. I only text a few family and friends.

“I was off sick about four years ago and started doing it. I get the most amazing responses. It says to people ‘look, the nights are getting brighter already’. A couple of friends who live in different places send in roving reports.

“A lot of people struggle with these dark days so it helps spread a bit of positivity.”

Comments(9)

CJH says...
10:43am Thu 7 Feb 13

ok...but I like the dark nights. People can't see what you're up to.

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jaybnell1988 says...
1:32pm Thu 7 Feb 13

#NobodyCares

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msmoox says...
2:13pm Thu 7 Feb 13

In response to jaybnell1988 I care so please dont make such a general statment. I was lucky enough to be on the list of recipients for the Street Light watch bullitin and it was fabulous! I struggle with the dark winter months and Street Light watch was a bit of fun and helped put in perspective how short the period of time is when the night are long and dark. The text updates always made me smile I thought the rovering reporters were great, I loved the fact there were other people getting in on the action. The Sir Cliff update was hysterical ( maybe you need a 'quirky' sense of humour to really appreciate it. ) but its these little things thats make life a laugh! Thanks Street Light Watch !!!!

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jaybnell1988 says...
4:07pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Awww shucks. Clearly I'm just not fun enough to enjoy a bit of good old street light humour -_-

Maybe we could meet up some time so you explain in detail how interesting it is, along with the merits of watching paint dry in a humorous fashion?

MsMoox; by any chance do you iron your socks and underwear?

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FalMae says...
4:47pm Thu 7 Feb 13

I am a proud Streetlight Watch participator and I think it's fantastic! The long winter nights often get me down and the humourous, jolly texts always make me laugh!
It is obviously for a bit of fun and not to be taken super seriously. Maybe Tracy can save ironing socks for when she's not making people laugh and bringing a ray of sunshine into these dark winter nights!! Thank you Tracy!!

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Busymum2011 says...
7:04pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Sounded odd to me too, jaybnell 1988, but if people enjoy it then what's your problem?

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Guy66 says...
9:27am Fri 8 Feb 13

jaybnell1988 wrote:
Awww shucks. Clearly I'm just not fun enough to enjoy a bit of good old street light humour -_-

Maybe we could meet up some time so you explain in detail how interesting it is, along with the merits of watching paint dry in a humorous fashion?

MsMoox; by any chance do you iron your socks and underwear?
Wow - get an anger management course and quick!

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truth must out says...
3:12pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Examples of her messages also feature lyrics from songs, including a medley of Cliff Richard’s greatest hits in a homage to his Wimbledon appearance when her observation on January 8 was rained off.

Street light watcher rained off.........though you could do it from indoors!!!! In the Summer texts revealing how much the grass has grown!!

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fatbird says...
7:39am Mon 11 Feb 13

What a fantastic idea! We are always looking for signs of longer days as my husband gets really down during Winter.

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