There's still time to see the Woodloes winter wonderland in Warwick

The event is raising money for the Acorns Children’s Hospice and Team Ethan
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There's still time to visit the Woodloes winter wonderland.

Earlier in the year the Woodloes Community Events Team was formed to promote activities to bring the estate residents together, while following Government guidelines on social distancing.

Growing out of the Clap for the NHS back in the spring, there have been VE Day street parties, door step cafes, a scarecrow festival and a Halloween scavenger hunt.

One of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo suppliedOne of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied
One of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied
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Each event has built on the growing community spirit and raised funds for various charities.

On November 27 during the district-wide Christmas lights switch on, the residents in the estate launched their winter wonderland.

Initially 145 households signed up to take part, decorating their houses, gardens or front windows on a winter theme.

This was in a bid to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice and Team Ethan.

The bauble tree. Photo suppliedThe bauble tree. Photo supplied
The bauble tree. Photo supplied
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Ethan Maclellen is a six-year old boy who lives on the estate, and who has a rare condition called Lesch Nyhan Syndrome.

He attends Evergreen Special school on the estate.

Now that he is six, Ethan has regular two-day respite at Acorns, but in the past has been a regular at Zoe’s Place Hospice.

A spokesperson from the Woodloes Community Events Team said: "The number of displays has far exceeded the initial amount, with almost every road on the estate represented.

Mrs Claus recently paid a visit to the Woodloes winter wonderland. Photo suppliedMrs Claus recently paid a visit to the Woodloes winter wonderland. Photo supplied
Mrs Claus recently paid a visit to the Woodloes winter wonderland. Photo supplied

"The two charities will benefit to the tune of at least £2,000.

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"There are various linked activities going on which will bring in further income for the two charities - Acorns and Team Ethan - including a tree for which residents are donating spare baubles.

"If they reach 1,000, a donation of £100 has been promised, and someone else has offered to match it.

"As of Tuesday evening they hit 1,122 baubles.

Ethan Maclellan going around the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo suppliedEthan Maclellan going around the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied
Ethan Maclellan going around the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied

"There has also been a jumble sale in an empty shop, which has brought in valuable income.

"Families have been taking to the streets over the last three weeks, particularly after 4pm, and especially at weekends, to see the amazing lights and window displays.

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"Ethan Maclellan himself, has been out on several occasions, in his lit-up pushchair, to visit every zone on the estate.

"His parents are really grateful and very humbled by the response on Woodloes, and the generosity of the donations.

"Mrs Claus paid a visit in person last Saturday and was able to take back the letters to Santa which had been left in the special Christmas postbox."

The event continues until January 5.

One of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo suppliedOne of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied
One of the houses taking part in the Woodloes winter wonderland event. Photo supplied

Maps are available at the Woodloes KP Newsagent and Select and Save stores for a nominal charge to cover printing costs.

All profit goes to the two good causes.

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Donations can be made via the Woodloes Community Events Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodloescommunityevents or via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/woodloesAlternatively, cash or cheques (made payable to Woodloes Park Community Centre) can be posted, or hand-delivered to “Winter Wonderland” 1, Welsh Close, Woodloes Park, Warwick CV34 5JY