Festive Hampers Bring Christmas Joy

Christmas at St John Fisher Catholic School would not be complete without the much-loved tradition of preparing festive hampers for the residents of Friary Court Care Home.

What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a joyful annual project that brings together staff, students and the wider community.

Headteacher Natasha Wilmore reflected on the importance of the tradition:

“Hampers at Christmas has become not only a tradition at St John Fisher Catholic School but a source of joy for our staff and students, who make and fill them, as well as each of the 38 residents of Friary Court who receive them. Each year the designs become more extravagant and the hampers are always filled with treats to put a smile on anyone’s face. This year we had a 7ft Nutcracker, a carousel and a Coca-Cola van to name just a few of the hampers created. The hampers are delivered to the residents of the Care Home by our Chaplaincy Ambassadors and Lay Chaplain, Rowena Goodfellow, and our choir, led by Simona Pearson, also attends to sing some festive carols whilst they are being distributed.

We know that the residents (and employees) of Friary Court look forward to our special delivery each year just as much as we enjoy preparing them. This simple act of kindness is not only fun but reflects our mission statement: ‘I have come that they may have life and live it to the full’ (John10:10) and some of our key values of unity, love and faith. I wonder what next year’s creations will be!”

This annual initiative beautifully reflects the school’s mission, inspired by John 10:10, and its core values of unity, love and faith. More than festive gifts, the hampers represent connection, compassion and the joy of sharing Christ’s love in practical ways.

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