The King Arms Saves Christmas

The Kings Arms in Newport Pagnell is making sure nobody is forgotten this Christmas. Kat Purdue sprang into action to salvage Christmas after hearing that the town’s annual light switch on had been cancelled for the second year in a row. On hearing the news, Kat organised their own event at the pub complete with a Santa’s Grotto that is FREE for local children to visit as well as stalls from local traders, dance displays, a brass band, BBQ, mulled wine and even pottery painting!

"If you have children and are short of cash then please still come to join us. We have raised enough for Santa's grotto to be free to all the children, and the brass band, dancers and the bouncy castle are free," said landlady Kat.

She added: "If you want a drink for the children and are struggling, just let one of my staff know as I have a special fund for you... Christmas is for all of us, whatever your situation." As if this is enough of a kind gesture, the pub is also ensuring all the town's elderly residents in care homes receive a special Christmas present.

For the second year running they are organising their Care Home Present Appeal and are working with Tickford Abbey, Castlemead and Westbury Grange homes to ensure all their residents are given a personally-selected gift on Christmas morning.

The appeal was a big success last year. Tickets with resident's names and information about their likes and dislikes are produced and townspeople are invited to pick and name and buy a gift for that person. The Kings Arms staff then deliver the gifts to the care homes. There will be a special stall at Saturday's Christmas event for people to chose a ticket.

We’re so proud of Kat and her work to deliver the festive feeling despite cancellations on the town’s annual event.