This Christmas, local housing association Alliance Homes, along with more than 80 of its older customers, have been decking the halls and sharing memories at Tyntesfield, a National Trust estate in Wraxall.
As part of Christmas Past, a collaboration between the National Trust and Super Culture, Alliance Homes worked with customers and Weston-based artist, Zara Emily, to create a beautiful collection of festive decorations for Tyntesfield’s hall.
Inspired by the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, the decorations include screen-printed textile artworks, baubles, and a book filled with personal Christmas stories shared by Alliance Homes’ customers and other community members.
Among them, 87-year-old Sheila reflects on her unique experiences growing up in a home for girls and celebrating Christmas aboard Royal Navy ships, while 74-year-old Andrew fondly remembers the joy and camaraderie of carol singing as a young scout, spreading festive cheer in his local community.
On Thursday 19 December, a group of Alliance Homes customers visited Tyntesfield to see their work on display. They were joined by Alliance Homes’ Chief Executive Louise Swain, alongside members of the leadership team, and North Somerset MP, Sadik Al-Hassan.
Louise Swain said: “As a local housing association working closely with communities across North Somerset, we’re delighted to have brought people together through this project.
“It’s been a joy to see our customers’ creativity shine and to hear how much this experience has meant to them. Tyntesfield looks truly magical, and I encourage everyone to visit if they can.”
Among the customers attending was 65-year-old Andy Forrest, who shared how much he enjoyed taking part in the project: “This was a great experience. I loved spending time with others in my community and sharing my Christmas memories. Seeing our stories displayed at Tyntesfield is amazing.”
Sandra Satterly, another customer, added: “It’s been such great fun working with Alliance Homes’ team and other residents to reminisce and share our Christmas memories!”
Community Growth manager at Alliance Homes, Helen Wheelock, also commented: “This project has been a fantastic opportunity for our customers to reflect on cherished memories and express themselves creatively. We’re so proud to see their stories and artwork bringing festive joy to Tyntesfield this Christmas.”
The Christmas Past celebration at Tyntesfield is open to the public until 2 January 2025, offering visitors the chance to see the community-created decorations and memory book.
For more information about Christmas Past at Tyntesfield, visit the National Trust and Super Culture websites: Christmas | Tyntesfield | Bristol | National Trust and Christmas Past at Tyntesfield National Trust - Super Culture.
If you can’t make it to Tyntesfield before 2 January, you can hear some of Alliance Homes customers’ Christmas memories here: