A pair of male reindeers will be the main attraction at Cherry Wood Grange care home’s Christmas Fair.

To mark the start of Christmas celebrations, the reindeer, Rudi and Moonshine, will visit the care home in Chelmsford on Tuesday December 5th, sharing the limelight with Mayor, Councillor Duncan Lumley, who is attending to turn on the Christmas lights.

Brian Gibson-Green, the reindeer’s handler, says: “My boys are 10 years old and were born in Finland.  We’ve had them both since they were 2.  They have lovely, large antlers which are still covered in a protective layer called ‘velvet’ – something quite unusual for reindeers at this time of year. 

"They are very happy in the very cold weather as they have two layers of coat. The hairs on the outer coat are hollow which provides great insulation and also helps them to swim – yes, reindeers are excellent swimmers”.

Anna Allen, manager of Cherry Wood Grange said: “Our home has only just opened and so this is the first time we have held a community event.  Everyone in the community is welcome to join us and meet Rudi and Moonshine. 

"There will also be mulled wine and mince pies and lots of other Christmas treats.  We will also have local brass band Premier Brass entertaining us with popular Christmas music”.