Santa’s Sutton sleigh ride has been saved.
After the closure of the Cheam and Sutton Round Table Club in May, after 43 years’ service, it was feared that 2008’s jaunt across the borough would be Santa’s last. But thanks to the Rotary Club of Cheam, Father Christmas and his sleigh will be visiting the streets this year.
The Rotary Club has agreed to take responsibility for the sleigh in the future and will be working with some of the former Round Table members to ensure it continues.
Gordon Drane, president of Cheam Rotary Club, said: “For many people it seems to signal the start of Christmas. I didn’t realise how popular the sleigh was until I went out with it. The local community looks forward to its appearance on the streets every year.
“My evening on the sleigh was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had for a long time. Cheam Rotary is very pleased to be taking over the reins from Round Table.”
Steve Underwood, former chairman of Sutton and Cheam Round Table, said: “I am delighted that Cheam Rotary is carrying on a tradition that has been running for over 40 years and that brings so much enjoyment to so many local people.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Cheam, visit cheamrotary.org.uk.
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