Warrington Visually Impaired People (VIPs) have enjoyed a wonderfully festive December, packed with celebrations, community events and plenty of Christmas cheer.
The festivities were kicked off at the end of November, with VIPs’ very own Santa meeting and greeting families at the Old School Christmas Fair. This was followed by several special guest appearances at local nurseries, schools and the Living Well Hub, spreading festive joy across the community.
December continued with the Macular Society Christmas meeting, where members enjoyed a festive buffet and the chance to socialise in a warm and welcoming setting. VIPs then joined Warrington Lions for their annual Christmas walk, collecting round Bruche. It was a truly heart-warming afternoon, filled with Christmas music and laughter from residents young and old, as Santa waved and chatted along the route. It was a particular honour to take part in Tony’s final tour as Santa, after more than 30 years of dedicated support to the Warrington community.
The crowning glory of the month was the annual Warrington VIPs Christmas Lunch, a highlight in the calendar for members, volunteers and the centre team. This year’s event was generously supported by Home Instead, Warrington Lions, and Morrisons Community Champion Steph at the Warrington store.
Preparations began at the start of the week, with festive hampers carefully packaged for members and tables laid to welcome 80 VIPs, volunteers and community guests. The Tuesday and Thursday lunch clubs were brought together so that everyone could dine as one community on Wednesday 17th December.
VIPs were delighted to welcome special community guests, including the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain, Deputy Mayor Cllr Sagheer Zaman, and Tom Hough (RNIB Eye Clinic Liaison Officer). Members were greeted by the talented Centenary Theatre Group, who filled the centre with festive carols as guests arrived, with the Mayor even stepping in to sing a few carols. Tables were adorned with Christmas crackers and mince pies, setting the Christmas vibe.
The lunch itself was a real treat. Members enjoyed cranberry and cream cheese vol-au-vents, a warming bowl of “Rudolph’s soup”, followed by a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Dessert choices included Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or homemade trifle.
Following lunch, members were presented with their Christmas hampers and enjoyed chatting with friends about their own festive plans, followed by a sing-along. For many members, this lunch was the only opportunity to celebrate Christmas with friends, while for others it was the main festive celebration they would have. The occasion provided far more than a meal; it offered companionship, laughter and a strong sense of belonging.
To ensure everyone could attend safely and comfortably, all hands were on deck. Four buses collected members from across Warrington, an essential part of VIPs’ service that enables visually impaired members to access the centre with the support they need, directly from their doorstep and safely home again. On the journey home, each member was gifted a homemade mini Christmas cake as a final festive touch.
Speaking at the event, Warrington Mayor Mo Hussain said: “On behalf of Warrington, I want to thank Warrington Visually Impaired People for the friendship, support and sense of belonging you give to so many people throughout the year. At Christmas especially, it’s important that no one feels alone. This afternoon is about celebrating togetherness.”
One VIP member shared: “The lunch club means the world to me. I was so isolated and found it really difficult to leave the house. Finding VIP earlier this year after being referred in has made a huge difference to my week.”
A Warrington VIPs volunteer added: “Christmas can be an especially isolating time for elderly and visually impaired people. Our VIPs lunch club is more than a meal; it’s a place of friendship, dignity and belonging, reminding the community that they are seen, valued and never alone.”
Fiona, VIPs CEO, said: “Our Christmas lunch perfectly reflects what Warrington VIPs is all about: community, kindness and inclusion. We work all year to support our members, so it is a privilege to bring our whole community together to celebrate Christmas—our members, our volunteers and our centre team. Seeing everyone’s faces light up with joy, their smiles, and hearing the laughter is the highlight of our year and makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
If you or someone you know is living with visual impairment and would like to find out more about Warrington VIPs, or if you are interested in volunteering or fundraising to support our work, please get in touch on 01925 632700 or email info@warringtonvip.co.uk. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and look forward to catching up with you in the New Year.
