Preparing More Events For 2026

By the time you read this, we will already be well into 2026. The cold, frosty days of winter are now behind us, and this is our first chance to wish all readers a very Happy New Year.

We hope that 2026 brings you happiness, good health, and many enjoyable moments.

December was a very busy month, with lots happening in our local community. We are so lucky to have wonderful events taking place right on our doorstep, and best of all, many of them are free for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights was the Santa Train evening. The weather was kind to us, which helped make the night extra special and allowed us to bring some Christmas magic to many smiling faces. Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event and who kindly donated money. We raised a fantastic £297.40, which we were very pleased to donate to Ladybirds Preschool.

We would like to give special thanks to Peter from the Rotary Club of Poole, and to our very own Santa, Richard. Richard appeared in his brand-new Santa outfit and very generously gave up his time to help make the evening such a success.

Children also had great fun taking part in the hunt for the knitted mini Santas hidden around Upton. It was lovely to receive photographs showing how much they enjoyed it. Our thanks also go to Upton Junior School for helping to decorate the ladder Christmas tree with their beautifully designed CDs.

Despite some difficult weather, the Town Council Christmas Party was another successful and enjoyable event. Families came along to take part in Christmas crafts, enjoy the concert, and meet Santa. Santa was busy handing out presents to the excited children who had been patiently waiting.

We are looking forward to continuing our work in 2026 and hope to bring even more events to Upton and Lytchett Minster for everyone to enjoy.

Finally, 2026 will be a year of change, as Mabel will be stepping down from her role as Chairperson. We will therefore be looking for a new Chair, as well as additional Strand members. If you would like to learn more about what we do and how you could get involved with the Beacon Community Art Strand, please do get in touch with a member of the team.

Mabel Fraser

Community Art Strand Coordinator

Email: communityarts@uptonandlytchett.org

Facebook: Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Art

Phone: 07818 494371