A record number of our customers and their families donned their best fancy dress outfits to come to the 2009 Annual Customer Event.

Over 850 people came along - the highest number ever! With the theme of "Winter Wonderland" the event has been described by customers as “exciting”, “well organised” and a “great family day”.

The free event took place on Thursday 30th October and offered customers the chance to find out more about the work we do and how they can play a more active part in it. The work of partners and other community organisations who work with us to deliver local services was also showcased.

Customers could see for themselves a variety of services such as HomeChoice Plus and the WCH web site in action, as well as picking up some essential home maintenance, budgeting and energy saving tips. They also had the chance to learn computer skills, win some fantastic prizes, including a TV and a Play Station 3, and to tell WCH exactly what they thought about services in a one-off 'Big Brother' Diary Room.

Fun was also high on the agenda with magicians, arts and crafts and face painting all on offer. The star turn of the day was an artificial ice rink, complete with giant penguin!

Our Head of Customer Services and Involvement Di Smith was completely gobsmacked at the amount of customers who came along. She said: "It was fantastic to welcome along so many of our customers to the WCH Winter Wonderland.  They brought with them energy, enthusiasm and an interest in the work we do and the part they can play in it”.

“Many of those who came were new faces who have never been involved in our work before but who are now far more likely to be involved again! It was particularly pleasing to see so many young faces – we will do all we can now to make sure they play an active part in planning services for the future.”