Out with a bang for last baby unit Christmas party (From Bury Times)

Out with a bang for last baby unit Christmas party

1:51pm Thursday 15th December 2011 in News

Fairfield Baby Lifeline Society held its last festive party — marking the end of an era.

The celebration has been held every year for children treated on Fairfield General Hospital’s special care baby unit and their siblings.

With the hospital’s maternity unit set to close in spring, organisers made sure the final celebration was extra special.

Sharron Entwistle, the society’s vice-chairman, said: “The party was brilliant, but it is such a shame that it was our last one.

“There were so many people coming to us saying they couldn’t believe it was our final party. They said the parties have been brilliant every year and Christmas won’t be the same without it.

“For many people, the party marks the start of Christmas.”

There were 110 children, aged six months to 12 years, wearing their best clothes for the party at the Elizabethan Suite, in Bury Town Hall.

Entertainment was provided by a DJ, face painter and balloon modeller, and the children danced with people dressed in reindeer and bear costumes.

The Mayor Of Bury, Cllr Yvonne Creswell, joined the festivities and drew the winning raffle tickets.

The highlight of the day for many youngsters was meeting Father Christmas, who handed out presents to all the children.

Mrs Entwistle said: “The party was once again a resounding success. It was really good and everyone had a fantastic time. We certainly went out with a bang.

“It has been a real privilege to be involved with organising the party. Seeing the children’s faces when Father Christmas came in was wonderful.”