Local housing association Alliance Homes has partnered with Super Culture and the National Trust for the second year running to help transform the Tyntesfield estate this Christmas.
The exhibition, “Once Upon a Christmas Time,” brings together nine local community groups to turn the historic house and gardens into a magical display inspired by fairy tales.
The installation features large swans made from sheet metal, painted in white, blue and gold, alongside crocheted and decoupaged baubles.
The handmade baubles were co-designed with local resident Jen Brent and created with the help of Alliance Homes customers and colleagues, unpaid adult carers supported by Alliance Homes, community groups who meet in Alliance Homes’ hubs, and The For All Healthy Living Company. Over three months, the group produced 250 crochet granny squares, which were used to make the giant baubles.
Jen described the experience as “an absolute joy”, adding:
“Being part of Alliance Homes’ project to decorate Tyntesfield has been such a privilege. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about the connections craft helps to create.
“I designed the first bauble, and seeing it recreated by so many others has been amazing. Being at Tyntesfield and hearing the wonderful feedback from visitors and those who helped make the display has been such a treat. It shows what can happen when people come together.”
Helen Wheelock, Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes, who facilitated the organisation’s involvement in the exhibition, said:
"Creative community projects like this aren't just about the finished product - they are about the process and the journey. When people come together, amazing things happen, and this project shows that.
“I'm proud of the final display, but even more proud of the individuals, community groups and colleagues whose time, skills and dedication produced such a wonderful creative installation."
The exhibition is open to visitors until 4 January 2026. Visit the National Trust website for opening times.
Celebrating customers’ contributions
At the start of December, dozens of customers were invited to view the display with Alliance Homes’ senior leaders and colleagues as a thank you for the time and effort they have given to helping shape services.
Guests included members of Alliance Homes’ customer-led panels and others who regularly share feedback and ideas on ways to improve services.
Chief Operating Officer Iain Lock said:
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Spending time with some of the people who’ve helped improve our services this year was a small way to say thank you for their hard work. Listening to feedback and acting on it is really important to us. We hope everyone enjoyed the display today, and we’re excited to see even more customers involved in shaping what we do in the future.”
Anyone interested in getting involved and helping to shape Alliance Homes’s service can find out more here.
As part of the collaboration with the National Trust, Alliance Homes customers, people accessing Alliance Homes support services, and carers can claim free admission for themselves and their families over the Christmas period. Terms and conditions apply, find out more here.