Mayor attends care home’s Christmas lights switch-on

THE mayor and deputy mayor of Melksham, cllr Simon Crundell and cllr Sue Mortimer, attended the official switch-on of the Christmas lights in local luxury care home Blenheim House, a member of the Berkley Care Group, on Saturday 3rd December.

The event was full of festive activities, from a live silver band and Santa’s grotto, to a fireworks display, and was organised by the home’s event team to make up for two years of lost Christmas celebrations due to Covid-19.

The switch-on event was open to the residents and staff at the home, with the invitation extended to both residents’ families and the local community. The event was attended by over 160 adults and children alike.

Those who attended the event were greeted by Christmas music on arrival and for the duration, guests were treated to an array of festive delights, from a hog roast bap with apple sauce and stuffing, to mulled wine and cider, as well as hot chocolate and soft drinks for the children who attended.

After indulging in festive food and drink, Santa arrived shortly before the Christmas lights were switched on by the home’s events manager, Chris Preston.

Following the switch-on, residents and guests were treated to a fireworks display that included eco-friendly and low-noise fireworks, before Santa’s grotto was opened and children who attended could pick up their present from the ‘big man’.

The event was also soundtracked by music from Calne Town Silver Band, a silver band established in 1925 who closed the switch-on event with a festive set of Christmas carols.

Commenting on the event at Blenheim House, the home’s general manager, Clare Hodges said, “We are so pleased to have had the mayor and deputy mayor of Melksham attend our Christmas switch-on event for our residents, their families, and the local community.

“We are committed to ensuring that the residents in Blenheim House feel a part of their community, and we know that this event was an important way to guarantee that they do.

“We know our residents really enjoyed switching on our Christmas lights and taking part in some festive activities with their loved ones and the local community. This event was testament to the high quality of care we provide here at Blenheim, ensuring that each day for our residents is one filled with joy.”