Turkey & Tinsel at our Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing

Published on 21 Dec 2023

Blind veterans have enjoyed Christmas celebrations throughout December with three weeks of Turkey and Tinsel themed holidays at our Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing.

With the centre decked out with lights and decorations, our blind veterans could get into the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrived. There was an array of activities during their breaks, including festive baking, mince pie tasting and reindeer racing! Each week our blind veterans tucked into a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and were treated to an abundance of festive entertainment.

Christmas lights above the doorway at the entrance to the Llandudno centre

A group of people wearing reindeer antlers sit around a white table with reindeer toys

Blind veteran Nigel and his wife Antionette at a dining table at our Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing, cheerfully pulling a Christmas cracker. The table is set for a festive meal.

Christmas decorations, reindeer racing and blind veterans ready for their Christmas dinner

The Community Engagement team at the centre organised the first carol service for blind veterans in Llandudno. Held in the community at St Paul’s Church in Craig-y-Don, blind veterans, volunteers, and staff from the centre were joined by veterans from other local organisations as well as the Harmony Singers and members of Conwy Town Orchestra who provided musical accompaniment.

Blind veterans gathered outside a Blind Veterans UK van, some standing and some are in wheelchairs being supported by staff

A group of people standing at the front of a church singing as part of a carol service, there is a stained glass window behind them

Blind veterans and staff in a church holding sheet music as they sing

Blind veterans, volunteers and staff at the St Paul’s Church carol service

Our blind veterans showcased their talents with musical entertainment, Christmas karaoke and lots of carolling in the lounge. Llandudno Town Band and ukulele group Silverstars gave festive performances while Linzi Grace Dance School and Llandudno Youth Music Group put on fantastic song and dance shows.

A man sitting next to a large Christmas tree playing the ukelele and singing — Gerry entertains fellow blind veterans on the ukelele

The Turkey & Tinsel programme also included plenty of opportunities for blind veterans from all over the UK to explore North Wales, and get their Christmas shopping done! Visitors enjoyed trips to Llandudno, Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Beaumaris, as well as a trip to the Christmas Fair at Oriel Mon, on Anglesey which was a particular highlight for blind veteran Michael.

A group of people sit around a table drinking tea and coffee

A man stands in front of a stall display handmade gifts and candles

A man stands next to a bronze statue outside a gallery

Blind veterans enjoying exploring the local area in North Wales

“The place is absolutely wonderful and the staff are exceptional and really bring us into the seasonal spirit”

Blind veteran Roddy, on his Turkey & Tinsel holiday

Blind veteran Roddy says:

“This week is our Christmas celebration, we don’t have any family and so we come to spend time with our Blind Veterans UK family and be involved in all of the Christmas fun”

Roddy and his wife Elaine have enjoyed many holidays at the Llandudno centre and enjoy meeting up with the friends that they have made during their stays and have participated in a variety of themed breaks.

A man and woman wearing Christms jumpers and Christmas tree hats stand in front of a large Christmas tree — Blind veteran Roddy and his wife Elaine epitomise the Christmas spirit at the Llandudno centre

Turkey and Tinsel is just one of a fantastic range of themed wellbeing breaks and activity weeks run from both our Llandudno and Rustington Centres of Wellbeing. From entertainment to hobbies and outdoor adventure, all of our breaks are accessible, regardless of age, ability or needs.

Read more about our beneficiary breaks at our Centres of Wellbeing.

Find out more

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