Seven sleeps to go - and where to begin? It's been a busy few weeks for Vineyard 53. Wednesday 3rd was our final Big Wednesday of 2014 - and a suitably Christmassy one, too - but we will be back in the Crowne Plaza in January. Dates at the end...

Last weekend saw three different Christmas events. We kicked off on Saturday in Ellesmere Port, singing carols and giving out free hot chocolate and mince pies. Those of us who weren't singing were able to chat to locals and a few curious passers-by. The drinks and mince pies were all very gratefully received. I'm not sure the same can be said for our singing! Thanks to all who stopped by, and all who braved the cold to sing and give out treats and drinks. 

Sunday morning was our Vineyard Kids Christmas party. It was super fun, and so encouraging to see lots of children there that we've met in the last few months. There were Christmas pudding races, a dress the snowman competition, music, craft, stories and cake (it was a party, after all).

Then, on Sunday afternoon, a group of us went to throw a Christmas party at Richmond Court, a hub for homeless people set up by Foundations Enterprises North West. Over two hours we did crafts, sang carols, painted nails, gave gifts, hung out, ate pizza and drank huge amounts of hot chocolate. The team at Richmond Court were so hospitable and grateful for our efforts, and it was great to chat with the people who use the service.

As if all of that festive extravaganza wasn't enough, we then took over Telford's Warehouse on Thursday night for our Beer and Carols evening. The whole place was packed out and in fine voice. Many mince pies were eaten, and free drinks given out to brave soloists. There was a tightly-run Christmas jumper competition, and a truly memorable performance of The Twelve Days of Christmas. (So good, in fact, that we sang it twice.) In the vocal battle of the sexes, the girls definitely won. The guys have about 12 months to practice for next year.

The buzz was amazing, and it was a great illustration of how our networks and circles of friends have grown since last year's Beer and Carols, which was one of the very first events we threw. Thank you all so much for coming along and making our Christmas a merry one. All together now, fa la la la la...

This week has seen Angel Tree happening at Vineyard 53! This has been a great way for us to support prisoners in their family relationships by providing a way for them to give Christmas presents to their children. What a privilege to be involved.

Don't forget that tonight is our Christmas party! Details below. It's set to be a great evening.

We are only three days into December, but the Vineyard 53 Christmas celebrations are well underway. Last Saturday (Nov 29th), we hosted a free craft stall in Chester Christmas Market. The location was brilliant, and we were very fortunate to have it for the day.

An amazing team of Vineyard 53 elves was there from 11am-3pm to colour, cut, fold, glue, chat and have an amazing time. Over the day, we had 108 children through the doors of our craft tent (and lots of grown-ups, too) who made hundreds of snowflakes, Christmas cards and tree decorations.

A big thanks to all who stopped by to join us, and to everyone who helped out on the day and supplied plenty of festive cheer.

This weekend we'll be singing Christmas carols in Ellesmere Port (Saturday 6th), and throwing a Christmas party for the residents of Richmond Court (Sunday 7th), as well as our Vineyard Kids Christmas Party (Sunday 7th). For more info on any of these, please email us.

Tonight (Wednesday 3rd) will be our last Big Wednesday of 2014! But don't worry, we still have our Beer and Carols evening in Telford's Warehouse, and our Vineyard 53 Christmas Party. Details below: