Santa at Heage Windmill
On Sunday (11th) it was rather cold, but dry, and with little wind when Santa arrived on his musical sledge, to be enthusiastically greeted by a group of excited youngsters and their guardians. He descended from his transport and slowly made his way, accompanied by his elf helper, to his magic grotto which had been specially built inside the 225 year old windmill.
A new innovation this year was the use of pre--timed Grotto tickets which reduced the queuing time in the cold whilst waiting to see the great man. During the day over 100 children were able to meet him and to tell him what they wanted him to bring on Christmas Eve and they each even received a nice gift from him too!
But the day was not just about seeing Santa because whilst they were waiting their turn outside there was an assortment of free children’s games like Skittles, Hoopla and Ball in the bucket , all of which were well used – as was the mobile Burger van, parked near the mill.
In the adjacent mill marquee there was a variety of stalls including what prooved to be very popular, mulled wine and mince pies - especially so because of the cold weather! But other activities such as Tombola, the Bottle game and raffles, including a very largeChristmas hamper were well supported . And of course the mill’s renowned flour was always in demand.
All in all all it was a very happy, friendly, family day brought to a close when Santa had to move on soon after 3-00pm..
Thanks are extended to all who contributed in some way in making this a memorable occasion, particularly the Belper & Duffield Rotary club who loaned Santa their musical sleigh which played Christmas music throughout the day.
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