New born Annabelle meets Santa

Nine-week-old Annabelle Gibbons was the youngest child to visit Santa at the Beacon Heath Christmas Fayre.

Dressed in a reindeer romper suit, Annabelle met Santa in his magical white wonderland at the Beacon Nursery. Annabelle’s mum Helen Hanlon-Gibbons was thrilled that her new daughter could meet Santa.

Annabelle and Helen joined hundreds of people for an afternoon of festive fun and shopping. Children sat in awe in Santa’s amazing grotto, created by staff, in the sensory room at the Beacon Nursery. 

After seeing Santa, they were entertained by a balloon artist, listened to a story teller and enjoyed Christmas activities. Next door at the award-winning Beacon Community Centre local stallholders sold beautiful handmade decorations, cushions, tableware and toys.

Local charities also attending were the city’s Hospiscare, Traidcraft and newly formed social enterprise the Exeter Baby Bank. City author Audrey Humphreys, who’s written a modern fairy tale with an unusual twist, The Dragon Princess, signed copies of her illustrated book and read the story.

The Exeter Labour Party and the award-winning Meet and Remember Club also had stalls. Community centre manager, Richard Cummings, said: “This was our second fayre and it was a wonderful afternoon of local people getting together and enjoying each other’s company, chatting, eating, shopping, playing and seeing Santa. Lots of people commented on the lovely, friendly atmosphere and we hope the fayre will help build friendships in Beacon Heath. We are very grateful to local stallholders for their support.”