This year, the South Division held a Festive Flair competition, following a similar format to the Trust-wide Trust in Bloom competition, with homes across the division competing against each other in various festive categories. The goal of the competition was to spread Christmas joy, helping residents reminisce about decorating their own homes and continuing their traditions. 

Bemerton Lodge was named overall winner!  

The home features lots of themed displays, from Santa’s workshop to candy canes, reindeer to penguins, even a hot chocolate station, all carefully made by the residents and the care team. The highlight is a forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees; when you can’t decide on a colour scheme, go for them all! The home has trees in red and white, gold, silver, blue and white, and more, all bringing a smile to the faces of anyone who sees them.

Divisional Director Matt Jones, who announced the winner, praised the home for its creativity and dedication to involving all residents in the festive preparations.  

Matt said: “I’ve seen the fantastic Christmas displays and spirit within our homes. The standards have been exceptional and the commitment of colleagues to making this time of year so rewarding and special for residents has left me speechless.

“My overall winner is Bemerton Lodge. This home has gone above and beyond to create a magical atmosphere for everyone. Their imagination and commitment to making every resident feel part of the celebrations has been truly inspiring.”  

Home Manager, Rebecca Flood, will be presented with a trophy in the new year to mark the home’s achievement.

Congratulations to all our winners, with an area winner in each category:

Best Christmas Lights Display

The Cedars, The Coombs, Watersmead, St Wilfrid’s Priory

Best Christmas Tree

Millbrook Lodge, Ridgeway, St Wilfrid’s Priory

Best Christmas Grotto

The Cedars, Marden Court, Avonbourne, The Coombs

Best Home Made Decorations

The Cedars, Bemerton Lodge, The Coombs

Overall Festive Spirit

Ridgeway, The Coombs, Bemerton Lodge, Brookside

Overall Area Winner

The Cedars, The Coombs, Bemerton Lodge, Brookside