THOuSANDS ExPECtED tO tuRN Out FOR FEStIvE FuN

A COMMUNITY complex has been transformed i nto a world of festive fun in preparation for a Christmas event.

Ardler Complex has been decked out in a dazzling array of decorations in preparation for the centre’s Winter Wonderland event, which takes place on Sunday.

Fiona Cook, convener of the committee for the Turnberry Avenue complex has turned the building into a magical place for children with the help of the management team.

On the day, there will be a host of activities for kids and their families to take part in — including i nflatables, dance mats, balloon modelling, a kidsget-pampered station and even an animal zoo.

Santa will also be making an appearance in his grotto.

Any profits from the day will go towards the centre and the work it does in the community.

About 3,000 people are expected to turn up on the day.

The event has proven popular in the past — last year 1,700 put in an appearance over two days.

Fiona said: “It’s a family day for everybody to enjoy.

“The children get to go into the grotto to meet Santa, who will give them a selection box.

“Santa will also read them a story.

“The Winter Wonderland event is about giving people a great day — and the event about making money.

“It’s a day of running about and seeing all the kids’ happy faces makes it worthwhile.”

The event has taken Fiona and her helpers several months to organise.

The day of fun will start at midday and is free to attend. However, stalls and some activities cost £1 and a visit to Santa’s grotto costs £1.20.

Volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support will be in the cafe selling a range of goods.

All profits will go to the charity.

The day will also have a new feature in which children will be able to see Santa’s elves at work in his workshop making toys.

The animal zoo will have snakes, spiders, rats and giant snails on offer for the kids to interact with.

And the kids pamper station will offer youngsters the opportunity to have their hair put into “space buns” and to get glitter tattoos and hair braiding.

There will also be a magic mirror to take their picture.

Speaking about how the event came together, Fiona said: “I just imagined what I wanted it to look like. I cannot thank everyone who has helped enough.

“I want to thank all the management committee, the office staff and volunteers Pete Finlay and Dave McCabe for all their hard work. I just want everybody to know how much I appreciate how much they have done.”

Fiona’s daughter Gaynor Cook, who has been a volunteer at the centre for 14 years, said: “My mum puts her heart and soul into it.

“It’s worth it when you see all the kids faces.”