SANTA CLAUS swapped his sleigh for a fire engine when he arrived at a plant nursery on Saturday, much to the delight of hundreds of families.
Hare Hatch Sheeplands was packed with wellwishers wanting to see the bearded present giver.
With help from the Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs of Reading Maiden Erlegh, Santa is in residence between now and Christmas Eve. He will be welcoming children into his grotto as well as hosting breakfasts.
However, spaces are limited with many sessions selling out, such is demand from good boys and girls looking to have a word in his shell, like.
Andy Dicks, from Sheeplands, was delighted with how it went.
“It was absolutely excellent, we had a great crowd for Santa’s arrival, the first time we’ve held the parade since covid,” he said.
“There were lots of families and many excited children.”
And the fire engine was just as popular as Santa.
“They were able to climb in it and meet fire fighters,” Mr Dicks explained.
Sheeplands also invited children to meet donkeys and guineu pigs as part of the fun.
“They were very well received by all families,” Mr Dicks said.
He added a warning to parents who had yet to book a session with Santa.
“Some of the sessions have been selling out. Don’t leave it until the last minute. There is still some availability this weekend, but after that, very little.”
He praised the partnership with the Rotary clubs.
“It is raising a lot of money for charity. Their support is very much even, particularly at this time of year.”
The Rotary club members are working as Santa’s elves. The money raised from his visits will help those in our community suffering hardship in these very difficult times.
Rotary President Paul Cunningham said: “I hope that Santa and his Elves will give a lot of happiness to children and their parents as well as helping bring a little cheer to others”.
Families can book special week-end breakfasts with Santa and visits to his grotto from the Hare Hatch Sheeplands website: www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk/santa.
