Santa Claus and his elves help last minute Billingham shoppers

Home news

Dec 05, 2011

Father Christmas will be on hand to welcome visitors to Care UK’s Hadrian Park, Billingham, on Wednesday 21^st December as the doors open for the home’s annual Christmas fete, which is free and open to all between 1pm-4.30pm.

As well as Santa and his little helpers, there will be lots of stalls to help out last minute shoppers at the Marsh House Avenue home as well as mince pies, sherry and a tombola.

The residents have also been busy making items for sale on the craft stall. Activities Co-ordinator Karen Young said: “We have some very talented residents. They have created all sorts of things that would make great Christmas presents and they have made baubles that we can write names on in glitter.”

The run up to Christmas has been busy in the home. Karen said: “We have had a visit from Roseberry Primary School, who sang some beautiful carols, and  we look forward to one from St Michael’s Secondary School, who are coming to sing and perform their play.

“The residents love having visitors to the home but they particularly enjoy meeting children and young people. They had a lot of fun joining in with the singing and chatting to the children afterwards.”

On Friday December 23rd, local singer Jackie Edwards will be coming into the home, and on Christmas Eve, the residents will have a special visit as Santa and his elves return to the home to hand out presents.

Manager Lee Sansam said: “There will be lots of food and entertainment and it is always a very popular event. Some residents then go to relatives’ homes for Christmas, but for those who stay, there will be a traditional Christmas lunch here which is open to families.

“Our chef always makes it a wonderful occasion and many of the staff who aren’t on duty come in to say Happy Christmas. It is always a great day and it feels as if you are with one big happy family.”

On Friday 30^th December the residents will finish their busy Christmas with singer Ricky Dickson, who will sing a selection of their favourite songs. Lee said: “Christmas is a very special time and we want to ensure our 73 residents have the very best of times.”