Another Busy Weekend
- Joe Stockil
- Dec 27, 2022
- 2 min read
A busy weekend with my alter egos started at 0900 on Saturday morning when I arrived at RSPB Saltholme ready to be Santa for the day. Playing Santa at local events and at nurseries and schools is another of the things that I love to do. It has been suggested that I just enjoy dressing up! Maybe I do, maybe I don't, I guess only I know for sure.
I was at Saltholme until 1500 and lost count of the number of visitors I had but it was a very busy time for me and my two very able elves!
When this was done it was a quick dash home and get changed into my Town Crier Livery to get across to the Christmas Fair at St Aidan's Church in Billingham. Sadly, by the time I arrived most visitors had left, but the stallholders enjoyed a bit of Christmas cheer with me. Maybe next year!
The next day (Sunday) saw me at another Christmas light switch on. This one was at a private house where the owner Glenn goes all out to impress with his light display. He raises a lot of money for a local charity, The Teesside Family Foundation.
Hot drinks and mince pies were in plentiful supply along with lots of sweet treats for the youngsters. As the crowd of over a hundred people built up, Singing Sue's Vocal Academy were belting out some good old Christmas favourites, Santa arrived and the main guest arrived to do the switch on.
The main guest was none other than Mr Bernie Slaven, a local legend having played 381 times for Boro and scoring 146 goals to secure his status as a Boro legend!
Here's a picture showing myself with Bernie Slaven and Glenn the elf and organiser of this event.
The evening went fantastically well and it always makes me smile when I pass the house on these dark nights whilst driving home. I hope that Glenn goes on to raise a good amount of money for his chosen charity. I will try to find out and let you all know.
As well as collecting on the night and over the rest of Christmas, Glenn has a Just Giving page. Feel free to donate if you wish using the link below.
I've attached a gallery of some pictures and a short video from the night.
Many thanks to Glenn and his family for their dedication and hard work in producing this awesome event for both their charity and their community. Also a big thank you for your hospitality, the use of your warm kitchen and your toilet was very much appreciated!
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