Swanage’s Mr Christmas, Ian Messinger, is spreading the magic of the festive season this year – with a toy appeal to help out families who are feeling the pinch.
Ian, who runs the popular Christmas shop at Herston Yards Farm, is inviting local people to donate good quality toys and games that their children may have outgrown, so that other families can pick up gifts free of charge in the run up to Christmas.
Since appealing for toys and gifts to hand out for Christmas, Ian Messinger has had more than 100 donations arrive
More than 100 donations
Since launching the appeal a few weeks ago, Ian has already received more than a hundred donations, from soft toys and dolls to books, jigsaws and puzzles – and says that the generosity of Swanage people has been overwhelming.
Ian is accepting donations until Sunday 30th November 2025 at his Christmas shop in Washpond Lane, where they are on display, and families will be able to choose gifts starting from Monday 1st December 2025.
Initially, it will be one present per child, although Ian hopes to increase the number if donations continue to pour in.
And for families who might struggle to get to the shop, he is toying with the idea of putting some on video on his Facebook page so that everyone can see what is available, and ask for a gift to be reserved for them.
Nearly new and brand new toys have been arriving every day at Herston Yards Farm
“Blown away by the generosity”
Ian Messinger said:
“I love Christmas, it has always been my favourite time of year, but with the way the world is going at the moment a lot of people can’t afford to do everything and just end up getting stressed out.
“So I thought I would appeal to the people of Swanage to search out toys in good condition that their children might have grown out of, but which other children might really love to receive at Christmas and donate them to me.
“I didn’t know what to expect – I was looking for toys and puzzles, and have also received lots of teddies and soft toys, books, dolls, jigsaws and games, including some items which are brand new, like a remote controlled car.
“I have been blown away by the generosity of local people – it feels like I may need a bigger shop soon, but it is absolutely fantastic! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far and I look forward to lots more, this is going to make a big difference to a lot of families!”
Herston Yards Farm is in the process of getting ready for Christmas 2025
“We live in tough times now”
Ian added:
“We are just at the point where Christmas ads are appearing on telly and shops are starting to play Christmas songs, so people are beginning to get into the festive mode and I hope they will continue to support my toy appeal!
“But it is also the time when parents start thinking about presents. We live in tough times now, with more families than ever feeling a financial pinch and that can stress a lot of parents out.
“Instead of enjoying the build up to the best time of the year, they start to dread it. Now, I am known as Mr Christmas, I absolutely love this time of year and I want others to love it as well.
“So I came up with an idea I think might be able to help a little and thought I would give it a try – and the early response has been absolutely amazing!”
This was the scene in December 2024 – and it’s set to be even more festive in 2025
A rather special sleigh
Ian’s festive plans don’t end there – Herston Yards Farm will donate a Christmas tree to Swanage Pier for the fifth year and he is about to turn a trailer into a sleigh to start making Christmas deliveries around town.
Once again, Herston Yards Farm will be selling Nordman fir Christmas trees and homemade wreaths at the farm campsite from the end of November 2025, and has stocked the farm shop with all things festive.
By the time December arrives, there will also be Christmas scenes, a model village, yuletide music, Santa inflatables, scented candles, mulled wine, mince pies and that rather special sleigh…
Some of the donated toys waiting for a new home – and it’s hoped that many more will join them by the end of November
Spreading the magic around
Ian Messinger said:
“Our summer season at the camping and caravan park here finishes at the end of September, so I could either close the shop for five months, or turn it into a Christmas shop – it was a no brainer! The first year I sold about 80 trees and it has just snowballed from there!
“You can get the full Christmas experience here, with lots to see, and you can choose your tree at the same time – then I deliver it free of charge on our sleigh in the evening, all lit up and playing Christmas music, which is so exciting for the children!
“The magic of Christmas is really special and we like to play our part in spreading the magic around. People feel happier, they will catch your eye in the street and smile at you.”
It’s never too early for Ian Messinger to celebrate Christmas
“It’s never too early for Christmas!”
Ian added:
“I start building my grotto here in September, as it takes quite a while, and also I never know when to stop adding more lights – but it’s never too early for Christmas!
“Our trees arrive towards the end of November, and I hope from the start of December I’ll get families stopping by to pick up a free present for their children.
“If we can put a smile on their faces, relieve a few of their worries and help them enjoy the build up to Christmas a little more, this idea will have been a huge success!”
Herston Yards Christmas tree corner looked like this in 2024 – this year’s crop will arrive by late November
Further information
- More about the Herston Yards Farm toy appeal is on its Facebook page
