FESTIVE spirit was in full swing at a Barnsley care home when the Mayor and Mayoress made a surprise appearance dressed as Mr and Mrs Claus.
The annual Christmas fayre at Deangate Care Home, Towngate, Mapplewell, saw families, friends, staff, and residents gather for an afternoon of festive fun.
Among the attractions was Santa’s grotto, where Mayor Cllr David Leech and Mayoress Alison Leech listened to Christmas wishes, handed out gifts, and posed for photos.
Mayor Cllr Leech said: “We wanted to show our support for what Deangate does in the community and for local veterans. Thank you for having us and offering your warm and friendly hospitality.”
The event also featured residents’ craft stalls selling homemade wreaths, personalised baubles, and Christmas cards – many of which sold out.
There was also a popular raffle and tombola, with 93-year-old resident Margaret Poppleton helping to run the stall. She said: “There were so many people coming along to buy tickets – at one point I thought I was going to run out.”
Entertainment included Christmas hymns performed by volunteers from Staincross Methodist Church before the Christmas tree light switch-on, organised in partnership with FoMas (Friends of Mapplewell and Staincross).
Luan Durrance, FoMas secretary, said: “We were delighted to place the Christmas tree in Deangate’s grounds this year.
“The tree looks beautiful and can be spotted from different viewing points throughout the village. We hope it brings joy to all the residents that reside at Deangate.”
Local veteran Dave Melling was among the guests at the event. He said: “We wanted to come along and help in anyway we can, as Deangate do so much for the local veteran community, so we have brought along a raffle prize and presents for the staff. It’s a small token of thanks for everything they do.”
Donations are still coming in but the event is expected to raise over £1,000 for the residents’ fund, which helps towards activities and outings for those living at Deangate Care Home.
Rachael Dawson, home manager at Deangate Care Home, said: “The afternoon has been fabulous. I really can’t believe how busy we have been. Thank you to everyone that came along to support our residents.”
Rachael Addy, the care home’s activities coordinator, added: “I’m blown away by the kindness and generosity of everyone who helped make this event such a success.
“The residents are our number one priority and days like these make lasting memories that can’t be taken away. They also enable us to raise funds for plan bigger and better activities.
“We have two big trips planned next year, so the money raised will help to fund these, and make them as special as we can for our residents.”
