Blenheim Court Christmas Market Brings The Community Together
As residents and team members at Blenheim Court look ahead to the calendar of events planned for the new year, they reflected on the success of their annual Christmas Market back in December.
All Hands on Deck as Planning Makes Perfect
The yearly gathering at Blenheim Court Care Home in Liss is a much-loved event and takes weeks of preparation – almost an event itself – as together, residents and the team transform the home into a festive hub. This year, residents particularly enjoyed creating wreaths and watching the home’s communal areas being decorated. Meanwhile, handmade items were prepared for stalls and activities were meticulously planned to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Local schools were also invited to take part in the celebrations through a Christmas Snowflake Competition – judged by the residents themselves - with pupils creating handmade snowflakes that were proudly displayed throughout the home.
Special Guests on a Day to Remember
The sense of anticipation grew and when the big day arrived, the Christmas Market was supported with enthusiasm by the local community, residents, families and friends. Despite the challenging winter weather, the turnout was fantastic, with visitors browsing stalls hosted by local businesses and enjoying festive crafts, refreshments, a popular raffle and tombola, and a special appearance by Father Christmas.
Former councillor, Keith Budden, joined the celebrations to sign copies of his newly published book and his visit proved so popular with Blenheim Court’s residents, he was invited - and agreed - to attend their weekly book club in January to share some of the book’s content in person.
Food was a particular highlight, with the home’s Head Chef, Nathan, arriving at 5am to prepare a hog roast that quickly became one of the most talked-about features of the market.
Community Support a Highlight of the Event
A standout success was the raffle, made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous local businesses who donated prizes, including Vanessa, Serena Cakes, Muffin To Do, Hair by Janet, Hair by Sue, Dessie’s Café, Chinwags, Temple Inn, Mooey’s, Turtle Bean Cafe, Relaxation Station, Review Hairdressers, Liss Wool shop, House of Boo Beauty Studio, Hairdressing by Louise Crosbie and Megs Kitchen.
The Christmas Market raised over £900, which by popular consent, will be shared between the residents’ fund and the staff fund.
As the event drew to a close and the clear-up began, Jean, one of Blenheim Court’s Resident Ambassadors, looked around and asked where everyone had gone, saying she wasn’t quite ready for the festivities to be over for another year. Laughing, she joked with the hard-working team that they would “have to do it all again next week”!
Thrilled at the Turnout
Looking back on a busy but thoroughly enjoyable day, Cyndi, Blenheim Court’s Wellbeing Lead, said, “There’s always a worry that after so much hard work the turnout might be small, but we were absolutely amazed and thrilled by how many people came along to support us. Our residents are still talking about it. The support from local schools, businesses and the wider community truly means the world to us.”
Comfort, Care and Community in the Heart of Hampshire
Set in the village of Liss, with far-reaching views across the South Downs, Blenheim Court Care Home offers expert residential, nursing and dementia care in a beautifully designed setting.
Families can feel confident knowing their loved one is supported by a dedicated team and surrounded by comfort and choice, from our hair salon and bistro to our cinema, music room and library. For residents who enjoy getting out and about, our chauffeur service and local cafés provide independence and connection.
For more information or if you would like to visit our home, please call us on 01730 775 936
