This past weekend, Gibraltar Nursing Home in Monmouth was alive with Christmas spirit as it hosted its own Christmas Market.
More than 60 people attended the market, helping to raise over £650 for the home’s COGS committee (Creating Occupation in Gibraltar and Supporting Social Skills).
The recent devastating flooding in Monmouthshire had initially put a question mark over the event; however, the home felt that so much work had gone into the preparations, and family members (the home’s fond term for residents), relatives and friends had all been looking forward to the day. With many in the community affected by the flooding, it seemed a small but meaningful opportunity to bring people together and lift spirits.
The home was transformed into a festive market complete with Santa’s Grotto.
As guests arrived, they stepped through the Gingerbread arch where they were met with complimentary homemade mince pies and mulled wine. As they continued through the home, they discovered the beautifully decorated Santa’s grotto, before carrying onto the stalls which were set up in and around reception and the Pillars Restaurant.
Team members – dressed up as elves, Mrs Clause and the odd snowman – ran a variety of stalls selling handmade pieces, including painted clay decorations created by family members living at the home. Independent traders added to the mix with framed photography, hand-crafted Christmas tree displays and painted terracotta pots.
Food was also a highlight, with chicken and stuffing rolls proving especially popular, alongside topped waffles in flavours ranging from Cadbury to Mint Aero. One young relative even set up his own homemade fudge stall, raising an impressive £90.
Among those helping on the day was 99-year-old resident Leah, who decided she’d like to welcome visitors and support a team member with selling raffle tickets at the door. She later enjoyed trying some of the seasonal treats herself, sampling a mince pie, a chicken and stuffing roll and, to finish, a chocolate-filled waffle with cream.
Leah, 99, helped to welcome visitors and supported a team member with selling raffle tickets at the door.
Live performer Christine – a familiar face to the home – provided carols and music throughout the afternoon as visitors, family members and the team joined in with singing and dancing. Children enjoyed their own activities too, including being given henna tattoos and playing ring toss games.
Live performer Christine provided carols and music throughout the afternoon as visitors, family members and the team joined in with singing and dancing.
Money raised by the event will support the COGS committee’s ongoing work to plan activities that encourage wellbeing, purpose and social connection for family members throughout the year. Remaining items from the stalls have been displayed in reception for visitors to purchase, adding to the fundraising total.
Home Manager Verity Walmsley said: ‘It was a fantastic day filled with so much love, the group of volunteers that work so hard year after year to pull this day off really do a fantastic job, I’m lucky to have such a fantastic team by my side who support me in making these events happen.’
She added: ‘My favourite part about the day was just standing back and taking it all in, watching the smiles on peoples faces, kids playing in the grotto and carols being sang. It really was a perfect festive celebration.’