Hundreds of future residents, family members, staff and friends came along to Shenley Wood's first Christmas Fayre, and they were even joined by some residents and staff from ExtraCare's first Milton Keynes village, Lovat Fields in Willen.

The Dawn Chorus choir, made up of friends and future Shenley residents, performed, and Father Christmas even made an appearance!

Future residents and choir members Peter Bush and John Danes said singing is important to both of them because of its health benefits. "Singing makes you happy. You can't be sad while singing," said Peter. He added that the Dawn Chorus choir is becoming well-known in the community, and have been asked to sing at a nursing home over Christmas.

He and his wife are moving to the Village when it opens in February, and also attend the Friends meetings, which are currently held once a week so that future residents can get to know each other. Peter explained that he only attends the meetings once a month. "We want to take independent living seriously, and we still want to do everything we did before, so we're not giving anything up when we move in here. We're not changing our lifestyles entirely, we're just moving home."

Village Activity Facilitator Lauren McMillan said the Village was packed. "We had so many people here, it was great," she said. "I just can't wait to be open now."

Peter agrees with her. "We can see our front door from here," he said. "It's exciting and almost a little frustrating. It's so close now and we really want to be in there!"

Shenley Wood Village is due to open in February 2012.

Picture: The Dawn Chorus choir.

See more Christmas at ExtraCare pictures on Flickr!

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For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk