Annual Santa Sleigh Visit

On a filthy night last Saturday , a very stalwart band of men and children gathered in the Square by the Butter Market. 1730 . Ready to set off on the famous Round Table sleigh – built and donated by world famous Whitby- Morrison of Crewe .

Geoff Stretch, Kev and Jack Mort. Matt Bonnell. Russell Black. Ade and Ryan Hassall. Plus George Walley, Wayne and Sam and Ruby Burrell – and the magical driver of the tractor Phil Brereton. All except Phil , loaded with collecting tins. Santa ensconced on his red seat . And we set off at 1800 down Stafford street , to be on the road then for close on four hours of cold, hail, rain but big warm hearts as we sought to give a Big Christmas start to December. Carols singing loud to announce our presence .

Some 13 kilometres walked by all – including the young children, as we toured as many of the lanes, avenues and streets of the wonderful community we have here. So many children coming out of warm houses ,to stand and cheer Santa . Seeking photos and being given lollipops . Wonder of big wide open eyes at the spectacle before them .

A note to make. Far far more houses and gardens lit up this year than ever before . A product of the lock down perhaps . On and on we went to finally finish that night in the warmth of our superb place , the Lord Combermere . Tired, wet , cold , but happy at a job finely and done well .

Then , to repeat it all on Sunday night – with Dan Ryan joining the team. We toured all the outlying areas of Hankelow , Buerton , Cox Bank etc , putting in yet another 4 hours plus.

We hope we managed to cover most houses .

Collecting boxes all given over to Round Table for the count .

The result . We collected all in all £2410.11 !!!!!!

A record record total !, Last year we garnered £1500 – a record then – which was given away to deserving causes here . And this years magnificent sum will again be spread amongst community groups here in 2022

Our huge thanks to all those who have given so very generously .

The sleigh and Santa will now continue to cover crewe and Nantwich until the last few days before Christmas .

Ralph warburton – on behalf of Santa and the Elves.