Words and pictures by Colin Smeeton
Children, from newborns to primary five, enjoyed more than two hours of festive fun and games at the Brodick village Christmas party where Fairy Nuff kept the children entertained.
The annual Christmas party, organised by volunteers, invites children from the village to enjoy an afternoon of fun games, snacks and the chance to meet Santa in the afternoon.
On offer for the enthusiastic youngsters was an assortment of lively games, including dancing, musical statues, pass the parcel, stick the nose on the reindeer and many other traditional favourites. The events were led by Fairy Nuff, sometimes known as Sheila Gilmore, who ensured that excitement levels were kept at fever pitch and that everyone joined in and was having fun.
After much physical activity and raucous fun the children were given snack bags and a drink which they enjoyed with their friends on the floor while waiting for Santa. Santa’s arrival on the balcony brought excitement levels to a crescendo again and the children sang Christmas carols to entice him down into the hall.
The children then sat in awe, bewilderment or conspiratorially and some were overwhelmed, at the presence of Santa who then called each child to go up and collect a present.
The annual event is a highlight for many children in the run up to Christmas and it is all thanks to the volunteers who spend much time and energy to make it all possible. The event is funded by a well-supported raffle and from donations from island businesses.
Children rush to stand on their piece of newspaper when the music stops. 01_B51BXmas01_23_Fairy_Nuff_statues
Older children play pass the parcel. 01_B51BXmas02_23_older_pass_parcel
Children wait their chance to unwrap a layer of the parcel and to reveal a hidden sweetie. 01_B51BXmas03_23_younger_pass_parcel
A young girl taps each child on the head in a game of duck, duck, goose. 01_B51BXmas04_23_duck_goose
Fairy Nuff teaches children how to play a game. 01_B51BXmas06_23_Nuff_line
Parents and adults are drafted in to assist with the games. 01_B51BXmas07_23_adults_line
Two friends enjoy the reindeer nose game. 01_B51BXmas08_23_red_nose
Children and parents enjoy some colouring-in in the quiet room. 01_B51BXmas09_23_adults_children
Youngsters enjoy a snack. 01_B51BXmas10_23_snack_time
Santa is welcomed by the excited children. 01_B51BXmas11_23_santa_arrives
Santa presented each child with a Christmas gift. 01_B51BXmas12_23_santa_present