Christmas Fayre

Last Saturday we opened up the doors of Wilberforce House to the general public for the first time, to visit our Christmas Fayre. As with many organisations, this was our first since 2019 and the first in our new building and with a new activities and events team at the helm.

With a fantastic band of volunteers we offered a variety of stalls and activities, including crowd pleasing favourites like tombolas, Christmas themed lucky sticks, second hand books and gifts. We also invited some local, small crafters and businesses who offered handmade jewellery, healing stones and Body Shop products.

Our new Westons café was able to take the opportunity to showcase its menu for the first time, alongside Christmas treats such as mince pies and mulled wine, and the café area was full from start to finish. We also had homemade cakes on offer, kindly donated by volunteer bakers, popcorn and hot chocolate gift bags.

Santa made his first appearance, to a round of applause, and continued to welcome visitors young and old for the rest of the afternoon, in his grotto. The children left with a small gift and all money raised from the grotto will go to our children’s club, Club Wilber.

In place of an entry fee, visitors could make a donation and take the opportunity to write their name or a message on one of our Christmas trees, leaving their mark with us for the festive period.

It was fantastic to see so many faces, familiar and new, at the fayre. Staff, our tenants and their families, past volunteers and supporters. Our aim was to put on a fun, festive event and to also introduce ourselves to the local community and make new connections with residents and families from across the city who might not have been aware of the trust.

A big thank you to all who came to see us on Saturday and to everyone who donated their time, a prize or money to help make 2022’s Christmas Fayre such a success.