Busy Buttons hosts final Christmas Fair in Windsor Yards studio

A Windsor-based charity showcased the talents of the youngsters it works with at a special Christmas Fair and Living Advent Calendar in the town last week.

The volunteer-led Busy Buttons CORE Charity works with children of all needs and abilities to find their potential using creativity and imagination.

The festively decorated Busy Buttons Design Studio in Windsor Yards offered visitors several creative workshops, a raffle, a tombola, temporary tattoos and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet on December 10.

Louella Fernandez-Lempiainen, the chair and one of the founders, said adults and children had a ‘great time’ competing in the Snow Blast game and Wrecking Ball set up by the team.  

On offer were home-baked cakes topped off with tea, coffee, soup and bread, along with supplies provided by Waitrose, Cinnamon Café and Windsor on Ice.

Duke of Edinburgh volunteers engaged with the community and children had the chance to ‘rehome a toy’ for as little as 50p.

One visitor remarked: "You don't get places like this. It's great that they can do this here and you help them be themselves."

This was the last Busy Buttons Christmas Fair in the current premises before the Windsor Yards redevelopment and was followed by a mini puppet performance with a strong message about the causes of loneliness, exclusion, and anxiety as part of Windsor’s Living Advent Calendar.

Along with a piano accompaniment, the youngsters acted and narrated their script which shone a light on their ‘superpowers’ and the need to inclusively celebrate one another.

Louella added: “Please do consider helping the charity to carry on its much-needed work by donating or offering us new premises. 

“Visit www.busybuttons.org/donate for more on our impact and how to donate.”

Busy Buttons is currently fundraising for the #ROOM2GROW Appeal for new premises to meet the requirements and growth of the charity. 

It offers alternative provision programmes for young people unable to attend school due to anxiety and special needs and all low-income families can access these programmes for free and through referrals from CAMHS, SENCOs, NHS, Social Services, Adoption Services and other charities.