Press Release
Santa's Grotto at Atholl House
04/01/05
Ref: pr 0059
Santa's grotto at CHP's town centre office, Atholl House, adds to Christmas magic for children this year.
Santa and his helpful elf gave presents away donated by CHP's Tenants Forum and ProAct, a local black and minority ethnic led group, to visiting children. Children visiting Santa and had a 'magic' (Polaroid) picture taken with Santa that develops in front of their eyes, they were also able to enter a colouring competitions, and munch on refreshments.
Brenda Laws (Mrs Claus) of Chelmer Tenants Forum said: "This was a way that we could give something back to local communities, for parents on lower incomes it can be too expensive to take children to see Santa, here it was free and really special."
Selina Philpott, whose children visited Santa said: "My children were really excited about seeing Santa, they liked the grotto and thought their presents were great! The sweets and drinks at the end of the visit made it extra special - they're already looking forward to coming back for Christmas 2005!"
ENDS
Photos
Top L-R: Brenda Laws, George Perkins, Bobbie Charlick
Bottom L-R: Brenda Laws and Amy winner of the colouring competition
Editors Note:
- Chelmer Tenant's Forum represents the views of tenants and residents for Chelmer Housing Partnership. They aim to improve and develop local communities. For more information Contact: Brenda Laws on 478609
- ProAct is a BME-led organisation that aims to offer advise and support to people experiencing difficulties accessing key public services such as housing, health and police. They assist people experiencing discrimination as a result of ethnic or social background. Contact: Akin Adegboye and Ade Fashade proact@blueyonder.co.uk or phone the Central Baptist Church: 01245 264163.
- CHP is working with ProAct to provide an office to be used as a drop-in centre for local people. The office will be in the Melbourne area of Chelmsford depending on feedback from tenant consultation.
