On the crisp morning of the first saturday in December, our community gathered to celebrate the spirit of the season at The Bridge for Heroes Christmas Fair. Braving the cold weather, buoyed by some strategically placed gas heaters, we came together with festive cheer!

The chilly temperatures didn't deter the warm camaraderie that enveloped the event. Families, friends, and local residents bundled up in scarves and jackets, eager to partake in the festive activities. The cold weather seemed to enhance the sense of togetherness as we shared smiles, laughter, and the joy of the holiday season.

One of the highlights of our Christmas Fair was undoubtedly the provision of the classic British favourite - bacon butties! Lovingly prepared in our kitchen by our tireless volunteers, the crispy bacon tucked into soft buns proved to be a warm comfort, taking the edge of the winter chill.

Those revellers with a sweeter tooth were not disappointed. In addition to the aroma of sizzling bacon, visitors were welcomed by the tantalising scent of freshly made crepes. New for this year, the crepe station was well received with attendees enjoying crepes with an indulgent variety of sweet fillings. We felt that it added a touch of elegance to the proceedings!

In addition to the delectable culinary provisions, we were able to showcase a selection of hand-crafted gifts, made by our beneficiaries. From gonks to wooden serving platters, we had a fine stock of unique Christmas presents that sold well on the day.

As well as being an opportunity to raise much needed funds, our Fair was the perfect event to promote our work and our brand to the local community. We used the event to raise awareness of ‘The Bridge for Heroes’ and to remind everyone of who we are and what we do. We are always mindful that even if the person in front of us doesn’t meet the criteria to be a beneficiary, they may know someone (a friend, relative, neighbour) who does.

As the day drew to a close, and the last bacon butty was savoured, the warmth of the Veterans Christmas Fair lingered in our hearts. Despite the cold, the community spirit and the shared joy of the season made it a truly special occasion. Through the simple acts of serving bacon butties and crepes, we came together to express our gratitude, celebrate our veterans, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers who enabled this to happen.