Northampton couple create stunning Christmas model village display and raise money for hospital patients

A Northampton couple who assemble a huge Christmas model village every year have had to showcase the display online this year.

Phil and Sue Adkins, from Delapre, who have been ‘villaging’ for around 30 years, normally have friends and family round to their home to view the model village before Christmas.

As part of the social event, they would usually have mulled wine and mince pies, and visitors would donate a small sum, which Phil and Sue then use to buy gifts for Northampton General Hospital.

Phil said: “My dad used to do a little village at home and as we got married and had kids, we continued it at our house.

“It just got bigger and bigger. It started on a small table, then it grew really quickly especially in the last few years and is now in our conservatory.

“Last year we raised £100 and managed to buy some gifts for the hospital.”

Although they cannot have people in their home to showcase the model village this year, the couple were determined to still create the display, which includes ski slopes, fairground rides fireworks and more.

Instead of inviting people round, Phil and Sue assembled the village and then shot footage to make into a YouTube video so they could share it with those who normally visit.

Phil added: “There are 50 or so pieces in the village, at least and it took us around 200 hours between us to construct it.

“We started at the end of September at evenings and weekends. It’s better than watching the tele and it’s just a hobby for us both each year.

“We had a few arguments about what goes where, but I agreed with Sue, of course.

“We wanted to find a way to do it this year so people could still enjoy it and show it to their kids too.

“It was never meant to be a big fundraiser, just a way to spread festive cheer and good will, but we are chuffed to bits with how it has gone.”

The village has already raised more than £300, including £50 from a company who saw the display while providing a quote for some work in Phil and Sue’s home.

Of the total, £250 worth of gift sets, puzzles, slippers and more have already been donated to the hospital and a second shopping trip is now on the cards so the couple can use the rest of the money to buy more items from the hospital’s gift appeal list.

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