Carpenters Estate Residents get into the festive spirit at Christmas Market Party!
Posted 14 December 2023
On a Tuesday 12th December, The Dovetail – the resident community space on the Carpenters Estate, held its annual Christmas party with an outdoor market featuring local handmade goods, delicious food, desserts and more!
More than 60 residents joined in the festivities, which included a few residents who were keen to showcase their crafts by having their own stall spaces to sell an array of goods, including handmade crafts, jewellery, delightful treats, and cakes crafted from fresh ingredients grown on the estate’s garden. As part of a money saving initiative, supermarket vouchers were provided for whoever wanted to contribute a dish for the event. Moreover, local resident Tahira spearheaded a children's biscuit decorating session, complemented by engaging storytelling sessions hosted by the local children's museum Discover. Residents also had the chance to engage with traditional African theatre art forms through opportunities provided by the IROKO theatre company.
IROKO theatre company leading a drumming session
Local handmade crafts on display
We would like to also thank official sponsors of the party Willmott Dixon and Social Farms and Gardens for their generous donations of £1,000 towards the Christmas Market Party.
After an eventful year on the Carpenters Estate, residents have witnessed tangible transformation, marking the culmination of a vibrant summer program. Notably, the landscape now boasts revamped play areas, brand new benches, and vibrant planters built by the community to provide more food growing spaces. Moreover, the striking 40ft community mural on Carpenters Road showcases captivating artwork designed by residents and students from Carpenters Primary School, further enhancing the neighbourhood’s visual appeal. Read more here...
Foysol Uddin, Community Development Officer said: ‘The Carpenters Christmas party marked the end of an exciting year, where residents came together to celebrate. Achieving significant project milestones has been a highlight, and we look forward to organising more resident-led sessions and community projects in the upcoming year, aiming to create a vibrant and inclusive community.’
Tee, Founder of Carpenters Cafe charity and resident said: ‘It was a really good party for the estate, people came and enjoyed themselves’.
Shahina, one of the Stall Holders said: ‘It was lovely to get appreciation (flowers) and I managed to sell lots of items, really liked the party atmosphere’.
Eileen, stall holder and Resident said: ‘I think it went wonderfully well, the organisation was really good from the dovetail team. there was a lot for people to see and do and to reflect on’.