Margaret has the 
true festive spirit

By Murray Scougall KILMARNOCK pensioner, Margaret Gourley has turned her home into a Christmas Grotto — and thrown the doors open to the public to help raise money for our appeal. For the past six years, Christmas lover Margaret has invited people to see her huge collection of festive decor, asking only for a charity donation. Last year, Margaret collected £350 for CHAS and hopes to be as successful this year. She said, “I’ve been a little slower putting it all up this year as my husband passed away just over a year ago. It’s taken a bit longer to organise the house without his help, although my daughter and her family have been great.” Margaret’s fascination for all things Christmas, and in particular, Santa, started 16 years ago when she received a Santa Claus ornament from a friend who lives in Las Vegas.

Margaret with just some of her  Christmas collection.

From that moment, Margaret collected festive toys as well as taking time throughout the year to make ornaments and decorations. With every passing year, her collection continued to grow. But the decorations are not confined to within the house. Margaret also has a Christmas tree and a giant model of Santa on his sleigh — handcrafted and painted by two of her friends — in her garden. So if anyone happens to be in the area of McClelland Drive, Kilmarnock, be sure to take the time to have a look at the amazing displays — you’ll be helping our appeal too.

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