Winter Wonderland 2025

Firstly to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their continued support and of course all the lads and lasses at Ryde Fire station for helping us transform the station once again.

To Harris Fowler for generously sponsoring our event … especially to Lisa Hendy for her never ending help, both prior to, and during the event itself… and of course to Chas Wright our star tree fluffer!

To all our wonderful stallholders offering local crafts and produce and all our fabulous performers who kept us entertained throughout the day… Medina Community Choir, Andy Hicks, Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band., Melodic Choir, Cinnamon, Fusion Arts Academy and Wight Notes MT & Pop Choir … you were all amazing!

Massive thanks to Roy George and David for stepping in and saving Christmas for the little ones, when our Santa got poorly last week ….. and to our wonderful elves – Maxine, Zoe, Alicia, Amy , Ann Marie, Becks and Cherie for ensuring everyone’s Santa experience was first class!

To Ryan, Stacey, Lisa and Evie for running our refreshments stand …. to WA Foods for their very generous contribution…. to all the Fire Cadets who stood for hours on the gate welcoming everyone and on the snow globe taking donations .. Annie for stepping in at the last minute and rounding up a fabulous team to run our raffle …. and of course to EVERYONE who donated a prize for this!

So many people play a part in making this event such a success and we cannot thank you all enough – If i have forgotten anyone, I am truly sorry .. we are totally blown away by the support we receive year on year and we are so so proud of this wonderful little festive event that has been created.

Lastly … a HUGE thank you to Harry for pressing that all important button to switch on Ryde Fire’s Christmas tree lights… we always choose someone very dear to the charity, and it seemed only right that this year it should be our own son. Harry was only 8 months old at Marks diagnosis , so has never known any different… his weekends often involve attending events with us and he regularly helps at our support group… This last year he’s attended many hospital appointments or been left with family whilst Mark underwent his chemo .. yet he’s never complained about this and we could not be prouder!

There were many hurdles to jump in the last few days leading up to this event… but despite the setbacks, we are proud to announce we raised a fantastic £5075.00 for our little charity.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us .. we hope to see you again next year