Seasonal competition winners

A real-life nativity scene has earned customers at an Independent Living Scheme in Stafford top honours in an annual Christmas competition organised by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

A huge well done to everyone at St George’s Road for their efforts in staging the display, which scooped the award for Most Creative Use Of Space in the SARH Christmas Decorations competition.

Meanwhile customers at Meadow Court, Barlaston, are also celebrating after judges presented them with the award for Best Christmas Decorations. Judges were particularly impressed with a ‘memory tree’ that featured the names of family, friends and neighbours who had passed away.

Kathy Jones, Director of Homes at SARH, commented: “The judging was really difficult this year due to the quality of all the decorations on show, although we were particularly touched by the memory tree at Meadow Court.

“As well as the winners, we had some excellent runners-up in the two categories, and a number of schemes were also highly commended.

“Of particular note were the painted jars at Colwich, the entrance to Jubilee Court, the hand-knitted decorations at John Pershall Court and the lovely trees at Hall Close and Gough and Crispin Court.”

As well as helping customers at You First Independent Living Schemes across the area get into the Christmas spirit, the competition also helped drive home an important safety message.

Lisa McCaulder, Interim Head of Health and Safety at SARH, added: “We wanted to make sure customers put up their decorations safely, especially as older people are more at risk of trips and falls. The competition proved a great way to make them aware of potential hazards.”