30
LIFESTYLE
december 2023
www.mybracknell.co.uk
Community unites in preparation for Christmas
T
he community in Shinfield came together to support the first Christmas fayre organised by Robyn Currie of Robyn’s Nest and entrepreneur Sophie Ames. Held at the School Green Centre, there were lots of stalls selling a diverse range of things including wax melts, woodturnings, jewellery, handbags and knitted toys. From cakes to Christmas decorations and baubles to beauty, there really was something for everyone. Robyn said: “We are really pleased
with the turnout. This is our first event like this, and we just wanted to support local business. We tried to get a good range of stalls and not double up on the same style of stall – it was important to us to have a good variety.” Although busy with the after-school crowd, Robyn said she was hoping mums and dads would come back out once the kids were in bed. They had the Christmas light switch-on during the evening, ably done by Chairman of Shinfield Parish Council, Andrew Grimes and parish clerk Bruce Winton.
There was also carol singing around the tree, supported by local group Sing for Your Self. Sing for Your Self are local, fun singing groups for enjoyment, laughter and friendship, as well as all the physical and mental health benefits of singing. Serving the Wokingham area, the groups gather together for the sheer joy of singing well known songs together, without the pressures of singing perfection or public performance. Members of the Repair Café were also on hand to help with any items
that might need a little TLC. They were expecting a rush on Christmas lights that weren’t working and any other festive gadgets. All proceeds from the evening were going to Reading Family Aid.
Double whammy as craft village gets festive
C
hristmas revved up a gear at Holme Grange Craft Village as they held their Christmas festive market and their festive fun day on consecutive weekends. Following the annual fun day, a spokesman for the tenants said: “We were very pleased with how the day went. Multiple stores had record days and it was great to see customers returning from previous events as well as people who had never visited before! “We had a range of activities and festive offerings including a Santa’s grotto, story time in the stable with local children’s author Steph Williams, Christingle making, mulled wine, Christmas classes and workshops and performances from a variety of local
bands and groups.” And with more than 25 additional stalls at the market over and above the unique, independent shops around the village, there was plenty to whet your appetite for Christmas shopping. With many of the stalls selling items lovingly handmade, it provided the perfect opportunity to source some unique gifts. And why shop on an empty stomach when you could enjoy a mouth-watering bratwurst topped with sauerkraut
and mustard from JL Butchers or something from The Grange Chocolate Café’s Christmas menu. There was free wine tasting available as well as mulled wine from The Tasting Barn made with their own secret recipe. And for the children Elsa and Olaf popped by, there was live singing with Boogie Magic Parties, bouncing in the paddock on bungee trampolines while toddlers could have a go on a little merry-go-round.
With live singing from performing arts group Platform YP and Christmas tunes from Ascot Ukuleles, it really did get everyone into the Christmas spirit. The village has a final mini market on December 17th with craft stalls and children’s entertainment including bungee trampolines and sand art.
