The Doddridge Centre, the local charity at 109 St James Road, NN5 5LD, is spreading festive cheer this December with a series of free events designed to bring the community together.
The highlight is a magical Santa’s Grotto running from Tuesday 9th December to Thursday 11th December, 4pm–7pm. Families can meet Santa, enjoy free festive activities, spot roaming elves, and capture memorable Christmas moments. Festive food and drinks will be available to purchase, alongside local stallholders and a fantastic raffle with amazing prizes.
The Doddridge Centre is about more than festive fun. It runs mums and tots groups, youth clubs, seniors’ lunches, and one-to-one support for life’s tricky moments. Every visitor is seen as a new friend, and the charity aims to connect with anyone who might benefit from support—without barriers. “This grotto is about bringing the community together and ending the year with a joyous occasion,” said a Centre spokesperson.
Earlier in December, the Centre will host Hand Made Holidays on Saturday 6th and Friday 12th December, celebrating creativity and community spirit with free festive crafts and activities. These events, alongside the grotto and other initiatives, demonstrate the Centre’s commitment to valuing everyone’s experiences and ensuring no one is left behind. The Centre expressed deep gratitude to all volunteers, partners, and supporters who have helped make these events possible.
And the festive celebrations continue on Thursday 18th December with a Santa Bus touring the local community, thanks to Northampton Transport Heritage. The bus will deliver non-perishable food items and presents to families and individuals in need, spreading Christmas cheer across St James and beyond.
The grotto is organised in collaboration with Phil from Ambush and sponsored by Dignity, highlighting the power of community partnerships. Families and friends are encouraged to join in the festivities, enjoy the magical atmosphere, and discover the support and community spirit that the Doddridge Centre provides year-round.
In addition to our festive events, the Doddridge Centre is proud to be a collection point for the NLive Present Drive. Community members are invited to donate new, unwrapped presents to help bring joy to children and families across Northampton this Christmas. It’s another way the Centre is working to support those in need and spread holiday cheer throughout the community.
To find out more, head to: www.doddridgecentre.org.uk
5. Contributed
Librarian Shelley and Community Development Worker Rhiann getting into the Festive Spirit at Hand Made Holidays Photo: Submitted