The Elmbridge and Richmond Resident Involvement teams were busy throughout December putting on a whole host of festive events for all residents to enjoy.
Paragon at the Pictures 2011
Firstly, our annual Paragon at the Pictures cinema event was bigger and better than ever before. Running on Saturday and Sunday the 3rd and 4th December, with 460 residents enjoying a free screening of Disney Pixars’ Cars 2, and then meeting Santa Claus, receiving a free Santa hat and goody bag each.
Adults didn’t go away empty handed, each receiving a festive Poinsettia, whilst the waiting crowds were entertained by the Santas elves. There was also a chance to take part in a prize draw and win a festive hamper, which was won by a Miss Nicola Harris of Hamilton Avenue, Cobham.
The event was also a chance for us to find out our residents views on their finances and what we can do to further help them in the future.
A resident from Thames View House in Walton commented: “I can’t believe how much effort you have made, I am really happy. This has been something special.”
ERA Christmas Cinema Events
The Elmbridge Resident Involvement team also put on it’s traditional film screening for our older residents, with Homefield and City Wharf House enjoying a showing of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on the big screen, along with mulled wine and mince pies. Homefield had an extra special treat, with children from Notre Dame School singing carols for the residents beforehand.
Christmas @ The Cromwell Centre
The Cromwell Centre on St Johns Drive also had its own festive event, ‘Christmas at the Cromwell’. Residents enjoyed a whole day of different activities including card and decoration making. There was also a book stall, financial advice at Christmas, mince pies and mulled wine and carol singing supplied by the local Church Army.
Also at the Cromwell Centre, Reemo’s Youth Café had its own festive party, with young people watching the Christmas film ‘Elf’, enjoying a meal and having fun.
Meet The Managers
The Richmond Resident Involvement team hosted a Meet the Managers event at the Old Town Hall in Richmond, with residents given the opportunity to come and speak face to face with managers, and find out more about the Trusts’ work and plans for 2012.
Walnut Tree Close
The team also held their own Christmas event at Walnut Tree Close in Barnes. This was a chance for the whole community to come together and enjoy Christmas carols, festive fare and a bell ringing display from a local church group. About 40 residents aged from 3 to 80 sang carols and listened to the bells.
Elders Sing-A-Long project
Finally, over the autumn period, Elmbridge Housing Trust has been supporting a project for elderly people run by the RC Sherriff Trust, and funded by JTI. Our residents have been taking part in weekly sing-a-long sessions which culminated in an end of term concert at City Wharf House. Classics such as “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer” and “White Christmas” were belted out with gusto, and a great time was had by all. There are plans for the sessions to continue and for the “choir” to perform a special concert in the summer to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Resident Involvement Managers Rachael Smart and Simon Martin: “We are delighted to have been able to put on so many events for our Paragon residents over the festive period. They were enjoyed by everyone, and we look forward to meeting with more of our residents in 2012.”
