Record-breaking Grinch Grotto

He may be a mean one, but Mr Grinch helped Eastlea Community Centre break all records with its Christmas grotto and fayre this year.

We were delighted to welcome 237 children to receive a gift from Santa over the two days – more than ever before. And the event raised £2,288.38, which will go into ensuring we continue to serve the community.

A lot of work went into making the Grinch-themed grotto, but it was worth it to see the wonder on so many faces.

Thanks to so many people: to everyone who came along and made it a friendly, bustling event; to everyone who lent their artistic talents and time to creating the grotto, including Heather Rought who contributed the majority of the artwork; to all the stallholders who provided such a variety of goods; to all the individuals and businesses who donated top-class prizes to our raffle, and sponsored elements of the fayre; to Jonathan Taylor, who helped with lighting on the stage and outside the building; and to all our hard-working staff, trustees and volunteers who never took a moment’s rest over the two days.