Lancashire Local Christmas Guide

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 21.


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Rossendale is home to 3 markets

Rossendale is home to 3 markets, situated in the town centres of Bacup, Haslingden and Rawtenstall. The markets are easy to get to by bus, car or on foot and they each offer free parking facilities. Each market has its own character and is home to a variety of specialist stalls. Not only will you find fresh local produce, gifts, clothing, household goods and services, there's

also haberdashery, recycled goods, kitchenware, curtains, blinds, fancy dress, cosmetics, plants and specialist foods, to name but a few! There are cafes serving drinks and hot and cold food at both Bacup and Rawtenstall. Our traders pride themselves on providing a personal, friendly service to our valued customers. Some of our traders now also offer payment

by debit /credit card - see individual stalls for more details. It is well established that markets provide a fantastic base for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Becoming a market trader on one of Rossendale Markets is easy, and we provide excellent financial incentives for new traders bringing a new line to our markets. If you haven't visited one of our

markets recently, take a look! Market days and opening times are;

Christmas cheer at

Burnley Market Hall

· Bacup Market- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm · Haslingden Market- Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm · Rawtenstall Market- Thursday and Saturday 9am-4pm

There’s a sense of seasonal magic at Burnley Market Hall in the busy run-up to Christmas. Of course the market offers great bargains from enterprising small traders all year round. But as Christmas approaches and excitement builds, the pressure to make sure you’ve got all the presents and festive food in place grows too. Burnley Market Hall offers fresh fruit and vegetables, great cuts of meat for the Christmas table and a wide range of ideas for presents for all ages – all at great value prices.Christmas shopping in Burnley officially starts on the weekend of November 19/20 when a Christmas Festival will be held in the town centre, including the annual Christmas lights switch-on party on Sunday 20th. As the big occasions gets nearer, the market hall is transformed with seasonal decorations and Father Christmas sets up “shop”, with a special grotto “stall” of his own to welcome younger visitors. There will also be the traditional annual Christmas party for younger children. Christmas is all about tradition – and what could be more traditional than a bustling market hall with busy stalls? Burnley Market Hall – it’s a Christmas cracker.


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Celebrating Christmas

abroad is becoming more

popular, research reveals

∙39% of Brits have made the choice to spend Christmas outside of the UK previously ∙Almost a quarter of those escaped the British Christmas to avoid family or traditions A study* carried out on behalf of Travelbag.co.uk, the tailor-made long-haul holiday specialist, shows that 39% of UK adults have spent Christmas abroad with almost a quarter admitting they did so to escape their families, traditions such as cooking and even the idea of Christmas altogether. While 37% leave the UK to visit family who live abroad, a further 18% follow the sunshine as they leave the UK because of the weather. 15% like the idea of spending Christmas in a different country to experience different traditions. Interestingly, almost a quarter of those spending Christmas abroad travel by themselves, while 40% take their partners with them. A further 28% bring the whole family while only 4% travel with their friends. Over a third of those surveyed admitted avoiding Christmas in the UK every year, followed by a third who escape every other year, and 22% who say they've spent Christmas abroad a couple of times. When asked what people miss the most when travelling, almost half said they wish they were with their families, followed by 27% who miss the festive TV programs. Interestingly, just over 10% claim to miss the British weather. This might

be why over two thirds of those who spend Christmas abroad decide to keep taking part in Christmas traditions. A further 12% are not so fond of traditional activities as long as they exchange presents, and 12% always adopt the traditions of the country they are visiting. On the other hand, there are other elements of the holiday season that the public don't miss. Cooking Christmas dinner was voted to be the least favourite aspect of the whole festive season, while second place goes to family visits, followed by Christmas advertising. Commenting on the results, Travelbag's spokesperson Paul Hopkinson, says: "It's interesting to see how many people are travelling abroad over Christmas to either visit their families, discover new countries or just to make sure they are not spending Christmas in the UK as some feel the festive season is getting too commercial." Spending habits When it comes to spending cash to

celebrate the festive season abroad, people from Northern Ireland and those aged 55+ don't seem to mind turning their wallets inside out. The findings show that respondents based in Northern Ireland invest on average £1,039** into celebrating Christmas outside the UK. Compared to, for example, savvy Scots who pay only £704. Looking at the age groups, those aged 55 and over don't mind forking out almost £1,000. On the other hand, young professionals (aged 25-34) are more careful and spend just £663. Women are keen to take £798 out of their budget, while men are prepared to splash £882 during the winter holidays. Hopkinson adds: “It's interesting to see the different attitudes towards spending money when travelling. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself when celebrating Christmas abroad, but everyone should make sure they won't struggle financially and spend within their means."

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Where can I meet Father

Christmas in Wales?

Meeting Santa is one of the experiences that makes the festive period so magical so why not visit him at one of our special places across Wales. Don't forget to check the details. You may even need to book in advance - he's a very busy man. Chirk Castle, near Wrexham 12/13 and 19/20 December. Father Christmas returns to Chirk Castle to take up residence in his Adam Tower grotto once again. He's brought presents for some very special visitors, so we hope you've been good! Tickets for the Father Christmas grotto this year are pre-book only. Tickets are £5 each, including a visit with Father Christmas and a present. Normal admission also applies. Powis Castle, near Welshpool Bring your family along and meet Father Christmas in the spectacular setting of our ballroom. Your children will be able to visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto every Saturday and Sunday from 28 November to 20 December, 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 3.30pm. Visits to Father Christmas cost £4 per child and each will receive an early Christmas gift. Normal admission also applies. Tredegar House, Newport Father Christmas will be visiting Tredegar House every weekend from 28 November to 20 December. He'll have a gift for all the (good!) children and we know he's going to be so

pleased to see you. He's a popular man so we'll give you a timed ticket for entry when you visit our welcome team at reception. There's no need to pre-book and it costs £2.50 per Father Christmas visit. Normal admission also applies. Penrhyn Castle, near Bangor 12 and 13 December. Don't miss having a special visit with the jolly man himself - Father Christmas while he is staying at Penrhyn Castle. Visits to see Father Christmas are £5 per child. Tickets will be available from the Visitor Centre from 11.45am on the day, on a first come first served basis. Normal admission also applies. Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff Father Christmas will be making a very special stop at Dyffryn on 28, 29 November, 5, 6, 12 and 13 December. He will be meeting each child and giving them a specially chosen gift. You can pre book your tickets by calling our visitor reception on 02920 590813. £4 per child. Normal admission also applies. Erddig, Wrexham Meet Father Christmas in the elves' workshop, every weekend from 5 to 20 December, to enjoy the gift of giving and leave a donation for our local food-bank. The Elves and Father Christmas will be thrilled that you’re trying to help them in their quest to help the less fortunate this Christmas time. Normal admission also applies. Plas Newydd, Anglesey

5 and 6 December. Our woodland cabin has been decorated especially for Santa's visit to Plas Newydd. Timed ticket entry on the day. £2 per visit (includes gift). Normal admission also applies. Aberdulais Tin Works & Waterfall, Neath Enjoy Aberdulais at night. Take a candlelit walk to the waterfall, listen to stories from Mr/Mrs Claus, make some Christmas crafts and enjoy a festive treat in the Old School House

tea-room. £4.50 Adult, £2.25 Child, £11.25 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire Santa will open the Llandeilo Edwardian Fayre on both days at 11am. After that, he'll head down to his magical grotto in the basement of Newton House where he'll await all of the excited children and adults. Each child gets a wrapped gift and all our kids activities are free. £3

per child to meet Santa in his grotto. Normal admission also applies. Did you know that Newton House at Dinefwr will also be arranging 'Write a letter to Santa' activities throughout December? Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Join us on 5 and 6 December, 11am3pm, for a weekend full of Christmas activities. Father Christmas will arrive with his horse at 12pm each day, with an opportunity to meet him in his grotto

and receive a gift. £4 per child. Enjoy seasonal games and crafts, enjoy a mince pie or two in the tea-room, or grab some gifts from the shop. Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion Father Christmas will be stopping by the Llanerchaeron Christmas fair on 5 and 6 December and he’ll have a small gift for every child he meets. No booking necessary. There will also be a kids treasure hunt in the garden. Normal admission applies.


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Events in Wales

during December

December, we all know its all about family and the magic of Christmas. But this year, set 'It's a Wonderful Life' to record. Put that 2nd (or is it 3rd?) box of chocolates down and as a certain TV programme used to say 'switch off your television set and go out and do something less boring instead'. So here's some great ways to do just that in Wales. Planet Rockstock 04 - 06 December An action-packed weekend of live music and entertainment with over 25 bands including head-liners Rival Sons, The Darkness and FM. Caerphilly Christmas Fayre Caerphilly Town Centre 10 – 11 December. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a town and castle preparing for Christmas with traditional funfair rides, smells of mulled wine, captivating street theatre and over 100 food, craft & gift stalls. Foodies will be in their element as stalls are stacked high with delicious fresh produce including indulgent chocolates and mouth watering

tipples...the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas feast! Browse the market and discover an array of wonderful jewellery and interesting gifts to fill up those stockings and purchase that perfect Christmas gift. There’s also a Farmers Market complimenting the town’s mixture of independent & high street stores. Why not enter the castle for a medieval twist to this event, with lots of fun entertainment and attractions. Normal admission applies. Real Ale Train 10 December All aboard The Real Ale Train! Enjoy a selection of real ales on a real steam train while taking in the scenic surroundings of this part of North Wales. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway Various dates in December: Santa Trains December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd: Welsh Highland Railway - Santa Trains. Santa certainly comes to town when he and his elves aboard the festive trains

from Caernarfon. These trains are as good as going to the pantomime! December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd: Ffestiniog Railway - Victorian Santa Trains. A traditional Victorian family Christmas with carol singing on the platform, sherry and mince pies and, of course, Santa will be handing out presents to all the kids.

The Beaches Hotel

We are a large, modern hotel on the beautiful North Wales coast. We offer free parking, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, steam room and gym. A large reception area is on offer to our guests with comfy sofas where free Wi-Fi can be accessed. Because of our unique position on the sea front, all our rooms have views of the beaches and sea, or the

Prestatyn hills. Every room has an en-suite bathroom with either a bath or shower and all the usual home comforts, television with Freeview, free Wi-Fi internet connection, desk/ dressing table, tea and coffee making, and hairdryers. For a very special break you may prefer one of our Sea View bedrooms, available with either double or twin

beds. Sea View rooms are larger bedrooms with special features. Our Promenade Bar serves bar meals and has an outside patio with a decking area, where guests can enjoy beautiful sea views and sunsets. Or you may prefer to dine in our Bryn Restaurant which serves the best local produce.

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Traditional Keswick

Christmas Fayre

The 30th Keswick Traditional Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place this year on Sunday 4th December in Keswick town centre. There's always a tremendous festive atmosphere with around 30 decorated charity stalls, live music and superb stage and street entertainment. The stalls will sell Christmas crafts, gifts, local produce, fashion accessories etc., along with hot and cold food and drinks. It really is not to be missed, with the

Christmas tree and shops displaying colourful lights, along with equally colourful local characters providing free entertainment. There is also Santa's Grotto with Santa arriving with six Cairngorm reindeer around 12 noon and remaining in the market square until 3pm. Wearing Victorian costume is optional but encouraged. There will be free parking in all Keswick Allerdale Borough Council owned car parks on the Sunday.

The Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre first began in 1988. It is organised by Keswick and Bassenthwaite Rotary Clubs, Keswick Lions Club, Keswick Inner Wheel and other local volunteers. The Fayre provides stalls for charities and local organisations to raise funds for their own good causes. None of the stalls are commercial and the Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre is run on a non-profit making basis.

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Ulverston Dickensian

Christmas Festival

The 18th annual Dickensian Christmas can enjoy a huge variety of free Festival takes place in Ulverston entertainment. There'll be costume over the weekend of November 26th competitions, free events for children, and 27th 2016. It's one of the most horse drawn carriages, balloon popular Dickensian Festival events in modelling, music and dancing. Plus the country and attracts thousands of a traditional fairground, complete visitors each year. Why not savour the with Helter Skelter and a variety wonderful atmosphere of a traditional of music from folk to brass bands. market town in the Dickensian era? There will also be a Christmas As well as visiting Ulverston's market, with lots of unusual gifts specialist shops, great pubs and and festive food, providing plenty of cafes and cobbled streets and opportunity for Christmas shopping sampling the great atmosphere, you in a great atmosphere.

Why not go in costume and enter into the spirit of the event and take part in the period dress competition? A grand parade around Ulverston takes place on both Festival days. A printed programme with town centre map will be available costing ÂŁ1. You can obtain it from local shops, from the Festival Office (at the lower end of Market Place) and the Information Centre in the Coronation Hall.


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Page 30. Issue 23. Lancashire Local

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Cumbria Christmas

Lights Switch-On

Ambleside Christmas Lights 2016 The annual Ambleside Christmas lights switch-on involves a Father Christmas cruise followed by a parade through the Lake District town at dusk, featuring hundreds of paper lanterns. Young and old turn out to witness the spectacular procession and the Christmas street lights throughout Ambleside town centre are switched on, as if by magic, by Santa Claus! There is also a family fun zone, local entertainers & musicians, stalls throughout the town and a firework display. Grange Christmas Lights Switch-On The 70th Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 3rd December 2016 from 6:00pm at Yewbarrow Terrace opposite Hazelmere Bakery. Father Christmas will arrive to meet the children and the Mayor of Grange will switch on the town's Christmas lights at 6:30pm, followed by carol singing to the music of Flookburgh Band. People of all ages come together to sing carols, see Santa and join in the fun! Grange's Christmas tree is a 100 feet high Wellingtonia and is said to be the tallest living Christmas tree in England.


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Argos reveals its top toy

predictions for Christmas 2016

Mattel's Codeapillar, Hasbro's Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike and Worlds Apart's SelfieMic all crack the list. Argos has revealed its top toy predictions for Christmas 2016. The toys that Argos believes will gracing Christmas lists this year are: Zoomer Chimp (£119.99) - Spin Master Paw Patrol Air Patroller (£39.99) Spin Master LEGO City Volcano (£79.99) - LEGO VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Goldmine (£52.99) - VTech Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike (£59.99) Hasbro Tiny Treasures Baby Doll (£39.99) Chad Valley SelfieMic (£19.99) - Worlds Apart Design a Friend Tiffany (£49.99) Chad Valley Snuggles My Dream Puppy (£49.99)

- Character Options Fisher-Price Codeapillar (£49.99) Mattel BB-8 (£59.99) - Hasbro “This year’s list shows just how much toys are evolving – lots of our top toys have their roots in parents’ Christmas past," said Linzi Walker, chief toy buyer for Argos. "Now they’ve truly moved on, with more sophisticated tech, realistic life-like functions and up-to-date pop culture references. We’ve progressed from the toy caterpillar that toddlers could pull across the floor, to one that starts infants on the road to clever coding. Where once there was a baby doll that simply looked like the real thing, we now have one that smells as sweet as a newborn. And while past festivities might have featured a karaoke machine, 2016’s budding

Beliebers will be making and sharing their own pop videos with a SelfieMic. “With cross-generation appeal toys from LEGO, Nerf and Star Wars, households are expected to be lively and fun across the UK this Christmas.” All toys will be available to buy via www.argos.co.uk from July 2016 onwards.

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Lancashire Local. Issue 23. Page 33.

FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AT THE NEC

10 -13 NOVEMBER 2016

YOU WOULD BE CRACKERS TO MISS IT!

Join in the fun for our 21st year at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! The biggest and best Christmas shopping Fair returns to the NEC for four days from 10-13 November. The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning and the hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents, so get it all done in one day at the Festive Gift Fair and make it FUN! Christmas starts here with plenty of choice, unique gifts, and a fun and easy shopping day out. For our 21st year we have a whole NEW line-up of fantastic LIVE music to entertain you through the day. So easy to visit, all in one hall, all on one level and there’s even a courtesy shuttle service to and from Birmingham International station. When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Creche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy all the great entertainment. 350 stalls overflowing with fabulous decorations for the home and present ideas for all –from babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, for Him, for Her and even the pets! COME ARMED WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST AND EXPECT TO GO HOME TRIUMPHANT. There’s something for everyone at the FESTIVE GIFT FAIR


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Christmas at Pantomimes in

Hoghton Tower 2016 Lancashire 2016 - 2017

We thought that seen as Summer has seemingly abandoned us, you might be interested in hearing our plans for Christmas 2016! Early I know, but bookings will start soon and you wouldn’t want to miss what we have going on! As is tradition, we will be running 4 Twilight Tours in December. These tours will be around the ground floor of the house, you will hear from various members of the de Hoghton family as you learn about how the house was preparing for Christmas throughout the ages. The tour will be followed by a festive

tea in the tea room. The house will be open each weekend in December until the 18th December for festive tours and the tea room will be offering its Winter Menu at weekends. In addition, the tea room will be offering Christmas lunches Monday – Friday from 5th December – 21st December, giving you the perfect opportunity to treat yourselves, family and friends to a festive dinner in fantastic surroundings. Pre-booking is essential. We will also be offering a festive tour and afternoon tea for groups

throughout December, ideal for an alternative Christmas party with work colleagues, or as an opportunity to gather the extended family and do something different. We will be opening the festive period with a Christmas Meat & Drink festival followed by our annual Christmas Craftacular and finished off with our Christmas Farmers Market. We will be releasing dates for all the Christmas events shortly so please do keep your eye on our website and events pages for more details!

Dick Whittington and his Cat King George's Hall Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1AA 10th Dec 2016 to 31st Dec 2016 Many years ago lived a very determined and ambitious young boy called Richard Whittington, known as Dick to all his friends. Believing that all the roads in London were paved with gold he decided to travel there and claim his fortune. Website http://www. kinggeorgeshall.com/ Aladdin Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, Darwen, BB3 3BU 10th Dec 2016 to 24th Dec 2016 A young, poor boy, Aladdin, lives with his mum Widow Twankey and brother Wishee Washee in a Chinese City (thought to be Peking) who is recruited to find a Magic Lamp by his mysterious Uncle Abanazer - a sorcerer and generally all round bad guy. Website http://www. d a r w e n l i b r a r y t h e a t r e . c o m / Great Expectations - The Musical Blackpool Opera House Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 1HL 10th Dec 2016 to 7th Jan 2017 Magwitch is being pursued by soldiers; as Young Pip appears through the mist he encounters the gross Magwitch and so begins the

tangled tale of the young gentleman, the beautiful Estelle, the jilted Miss Havisham and of course, the convict. Website http://www. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/ Alice in Wonderland on Ice Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 1EZ 11th Dec 2016 to 27th Dec 2016 Alice in Wonderland on ice is brought to you by BIDCA Children Helping Children. A cast of 75 skaters aged from 4 18 bring to life this magical story. Raising money for local children. Tickets £10 on sale now. Website http://www. childrenhelpingchildren.co.uk/ Jack & The Beanstalk Preston Guild Hall Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT 12th Dec 2016 to 5th Jan 2017 Following the huge success of our first in house pantomime Sleeping Beauty, we're excited to announce that our 2016 pantomime will be Jack and The Beanstalk!

Website http://www. p r e s t o n g u i l d h a l l . c o m / Jack & The Beanstalk Lowther Pavilion Theatre West Beach, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5QQ 14th Dec 2016 to 30th Dec 2016 The Lowther Pavilion pantomime is a real story with real characters - not just a string of variety acts. There will be some fantastic singing and dancing and a large dose of comedy, sparkle, magic and spectacle thrown in for good measure!! Website http://www. l o w t h e r p a v i l i o n . c o . u k / Hansel and Gretel The Met Market Street, Bury, Lancs BL9 0BW 22nd Dec 2016 to 24th Dec 2016 A musical theatre version of this classic brother and sister tale of adventure and magic where we'll have you humming along throughout and cheering as the witch slides down into our flaming oven. Website http://www.themet.biz/

Nearly 50% of employees do their Christmas

shopping whilst at work spending on

average 72 minutes of company time

As the Christmas shopping season starts an online voucher code website looked into when and where people do their Christmas shopping, they were particularly interested in looking at shopping during working hours. 48% of employees in the UK admitted to Christmas shopping on work time, spending on average 72 minutes doing so. There is a lot of planning and organisation that goes into Christmas, with time in short supply to do these tasks. With experts predicting more shopping will happen online this month than ever before an online voucher code website investigated if people do their Christmas shopping at work whilst on company time. w w w. m y v o u c h e r c o d e s . c o . u k surveyed 2157 men and women in the UK aged over 18 who were in full time employment (not self-employed) asking: “Have you ever shopped for Christmas presents whilst at work during work time?” They found that 48% of respondents admitted they had, whilst 2% would prefer not to say and 50% stated they never had. The results also showed that men were more likely to spend work time

shopping for Christmas presents than women, with 50% admitting to doing their Christmas shopping when they should have been working. As many companies opt for policies which restrict which sites can be viewed online at work, My Voucher Codes investigated further to see what device people were using to shop on in work. They asked those who had answered yes to the first question: “Did you shop via your computer or mobile device?” They discovered 59% of people used mobile devices such as their phone or tablet, whilst 38% used their work computer. To work out how much time employees spent online shopping for Christmas on work time they asked: “On average per shopping session how long did you spend shopping for Christmas presents?” The majority of respondents (28%) only spend around 20 minutes Christmas shopping in work time, however 17% admitted to spending nearly 2hrs shopping and 10% admitted to spend over 3hrs shopping for Christmas presents. This meant the average the amount of time

workers spent Christmas shopping online during work time was 73 minutes. Mark Pearson said: “At Christmas there doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything we need, from planning and shopping to visiting friends and family, so it's no surprise that people try and sneak some time at work to reduce some of the stress of the festive period. Taking into consideration being able to do shopping away from a spouse, you may need to shop for them at work, however as a business owner I would suggest using the lunch break for that!” He added: “Obviously for businesses, shopping during work hours can be a concern. Some will have taken matters into their own hands and ban access to many unessential websites including retail, but combatting access on mobile devices is harder. This may lead employers to be even more vigilant, checking that their employees aren't on their mobiles or tablets, however perhaps it is up to the employee to be better organised and perhaps taking time off work with their holiday allowance to do these tasks.”


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Elderly Olympics' sees care homes compete in walking frame slalom

Never mind Rio 2016 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, eager competitiors from care homes across the Swedish region of Jura have battled it out in their own Olympics. Some of the wellseasoned competitiors may have struggled to walk unaided but they set an impressive pace in the walking frame slalom. Far from shrinking back from this challenge, the silverhaired athletes’ eyes shone with a steely resolve that yelled ‘bring it on’ as they pushed their walking frames along the track. If they were silently praying for a break, their ‘game’ faces gave nothing away as they passed one another during the slalom. No less than 120 care home residents competed in five sports with teams from 12 care homes participating in

Bassecourt, Jura on 13 September. Wheelchair basketball, giant darts, stacking blocks and the more quirky game of hammering nails into a block of wood were among the sports played, but it was the determined and steady pace of the games that seemed to capture the zeitgeist of the event. And when the races were done, it was the turn of the Olympian Eric Hanni to hand out the medals. Eric Hanni from Jura, won a silver medal for Judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and was hugely impressed by the efforts of the men and women, some of whom were more than triple his age when he competed in Tokyo. The care home residents completed a period of training to prepare them for the event. Competitors take part in the hammering nails on wood event

The society JURAncien, responsible for care homes in the area, organised the games to increase older people’s confidence and their feelings of selfworth by giving them a chance to challenge themselves and others. Audrey Kohler, activities coordinator at la Residence Claire-Fontaine in Bassecourt said: “They [the residents] realised through the training that they were gradually making progress in everyday life and daily gestures/ movements can also help, so I think its beneficial to them.“ And as the games drew to a close, unlike the younger Olympians of Rio 2016, the victorious did not opt for a victory lap or any showboating to the crowd. Most, it seems were just happy to have a sit down and a nice cup of tea.

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