On Sunday 4th December, we welcomed residents to the Beaulieu Community Centre for the return of the Big Beaulieu Christmas.
With the help of the Chelmsford Mildmay Rotary Club, the Beaulieu Community Centre was turned into an incredible grotto, where Father Christmas was on hand with 200 presents to hand out to the children of Beaulieu. Santa’s new sleigh, which was parked outside, also received a lot of attention, helping the Rotary Club to raise much needed funds for charity..
Approximately 500 members of the Beaulieu community attended the festive extravaganza, with a host of family-friendly activities on offer. From nature weaving, provided by Lynn Excell and sponsored by L&Q's boiler company, to a photo booth, provided by St Francis Church, which gave children a chance to dress up as part of the nativity. Coffee squared also donated sweet treats and mulled wine to visitors, helping to raise over £300 for the ‘warm spaces’ drop ins that run on Friday afternoons at the centre.
The Mini Market Beaulieu, which expanded this year to include stalls both inside and outside the Community Centre, created a lovely atmosphere as people arrived at the event, whilst residents also had a chance to buy their real Christmas tree from Branching Out Together, who had donated the tree in the Community Centre
Martin Payne, Community Engagement Officer, Beaulieu Estate Management, said:
‘The event was a huge success, and it was great to see so many of our residents attend again this year. The centre was filled with festive cheer and excitement throughout the day, thanks to the different organisations and charities which came together to put on the festive extravaganza whilst raising money for some worthy causes.
‘We would like to say a huge thank you to the Beaulieu Community Trust for hosting the event and supporting us by providing us with a reduced price room hire. We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and look forward to doing it all again next year!’
