At Friends of the Elderly’s Malvern-based Davenham, Perrins House and Bradbury Court, the residents and care team got their jingle on and made sure they didn’t get their tinsel in a tangle as they opened the care homes’ doors and welcomed members from the local community to the annual, free Yuletide Community Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto. The ‘Be-yule-tiful’ Christmas event was a great success, with over 100 visitors attending to get the Christmas Spirit truly underway. “The Christmas Market was very busy,” said Jo Bennett, the General Manager of Friends of the Elderly Malvern. “We had 13 unique and artesian stalls which sold a vast range of wonderful Christmas gifts and cards, hand knitted items, candles and bric-a-brac, to name but a few.”
However, the main attraction for the visiting children was the opportunity to meet ‘Red One’ himself, Santa Claus. “We couldn’t have our Christmas Spectacular without St. Nick,” continued Dawn Jones, the Activities Coordinator at Davenham. “It just wouldn’t have been right. I’m just so grateful that Buddy, Santa’s famous elf, arranged for Rudolph to bring Santa to Malvern. All the children who met Santa spent quite a time chatting to him. Subjects ranged from what the North Pole Workshop looked like, to how many elves worked there to Santa’s favourite treat on Christmas Eve. It was lovely to see their faces light up and hear all the laughter.” Alongside the Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto, visitors were also able to have fun playing a selection of traditional and Yuletide games.
“There was a Tombola, Raffle, The Key Rings Game and also a special hair braiding area for the children to enjoy,” added Maricel Biringquez, the Unit Manager at Davenham and Bradbury Court. “We received some great feedback from the visitors as well which was great. One couple said how good the atmosphere was and that the decorations were beautiful – and they both adored the new café which is located in our Davenham residential care home.”
The café was a hive of activity throughout the event, with a selection of delicious and tasty festive treats on offer. “There were home-made mince pies, warming cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, plus a traditional favourite – non-alcoholic mulled wine,” continued Maricel. Davenham resident, May Goslin, had a wonderful time at the ‘Tinsel-Tastic’ event. “There was a lovely atmosphere to the day,” said May. “I visited the Christmas Market and purchased a few items and even won a bottle of perfume in the raffle, which smells wonderful. So all in all, I had a great time.” The visitors also enjoyed great live entertainment, courtesy of singer, Reba, who performed a Christmas Time selection of songs in Davenham’s Dining Room.
“It was a great event,” added Vanda Jenkins, the Head of Housekeeping at Friends of the Elderly Malvern. “Even though there are a few Christmas Markets and Fayres around the area, it was great that the community visited ours, had a good time looking around the market stalls, taking part in the activities and, of course, enjoying the festive refreshments.”
“It was a joy to see so many smiling faces at our Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto. We really appreciate the local community’s ongoing support and, on behalf of everyone at Friends of the Elderly Malvern, we’d like to wish each member of our local community a peaceful and prosperous holiday season,” concluded Jo.
Find out more about Friends of the Elderly Malvern by calling 01905 388 720 or emailing [email protected].