The Pines Christmas Fayre Brings Friends And Neighbours Together

With Christmas approaching and a sense of festive anticipation in the air, the team and residents at The Pines voted to celebrate the season with a Christmas Fayre – an opportunity for residents to get involved and have fun, and a chance for The Pines to connect with the local community.

A Chance to Raise Awareness and Build Relationships in the Local Area

Home Manager, Heather Said, knew that hosting an event like this would help raise awareness of The Pines in the neighbourhood: “The home is situated on a main road and many of our neighbours walk or drive past every day - but all they see is a building set back behind some trees. We wanted people to know a bit more about what’s going on here and to show that there’s life, joy and happiness at The Pines”.

The team were also keen to build on the relationship they have with a local senior school following a successful work experience placement for a student at The Pines. At the Christmas Fayre, anyone in a school uniform was able to buy a hot chocolate for just £1, which proved a popular incentive!

Fairy Lights, Spiced Apple Cider and a Very Special Cake

Planning for the event began with the location and the decision was made to host the fayre in the home’s large car park, also inhabited by two large pine trees. When the day arrived, cheerful stalls were set up and the car park was transformed into a space full of light and colour, with the pine trees lit up to look pretty especially for the occasion.

Head Chef, Nim, and her team got to work preparing hot, tasty food for the stalls and also produced a delicious, spiced apple cider – perfect for what was to be a crisp, clear night. Residents had taken on baking duties, including Henry, who made a delicious Jamaica cake and resident David, who had recently made a ‘Pines traditional Christmas Cake’ for the Caring Homes Christmas cake competition. His cake had been declared one of the four finalists and was due to be submitted for a final tasting by the judges. Unfortunately, it was accidentally sold, piece by piece, at the fayre. (David is making an identical replacement)!

Bric-a-Brac, Books and Free Blood Pressure Checks!

Meanwhile, residents had focused on what could be sold on the bric-a-brac stall and a fantastic selection of items was collected, much of which had been stashed in residents’ rooms since they had moved into The Pines. Remarkable 102 year old resident, Erica, makes ‘comfort bears’ which are small, soft, cuddly toys known as Care Bears. Erica created 30 bears especially for the fayre, as well as clever little kits which people could use to create their own bear.

A bookstall was also set up and resident Caroline presided over the sale of books, CDs and DVDs with donations gratefully received alongside the offer of a free blood pressure check! With the raffle and tombola in full swing, the event had a real community feel and visitors, ranging from school children to neighbours and even some old friends, stopped by to mingle and enjoy a happy, sociable evening.

A Happy Event for Residents and Neighbours

Heather reflected, “I’m delighted with the response to our Christmas Fayre from our friends and neighbours and it was also fun for our residents, who did a bit of shopping and enjoyed the food and drink on offer. It wasn’t so much about fundraising – although thanks to our visitors, we did raise money for one of our projects – but more about giving all our guests a friendly ‘Pines’ welcome. Now that more people know we’re here, I’m looking forward to meeting them more regularly and inviting our neighbours to future events”.

Welcome to The Pines Nursing Home

The Pines is our care home in Wandsworth, West London. A beautiful period property, The Pines Nursing Home provides residential and nursing care in an oasis of tranquillity in vibrant Putney for up to 42 elderly residents. The Pines has the amenities of a modern home without compromising its period charm, with spacious, bright, and airy communal areas, and a warm, homely feel.

At The Pines we are able to provide tailored care for our residents, many of whom require specialist care and attention. Our staff members are trained in nursing and dementia care, so you’ll always be in experienced hands.