Southport - the Classic Resort on England's North West Coast

2009

District

105BN

IT Award

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Santa’s Grotto - Wayfarers’ Arcade 2009
 

Last year was the first time that Southport Lions took on the very important task of looking after Santa Claus while he is visiting Southport. Among many demands on his time, the Big Chap has pencilled in several visits to the town, and he will be at the Wayfarers’ Arcade each weekend between the end of November and the start of Christmas Week. We aren’t entirely certain as to why we are so favoured, given the enormous workload that Santa faces at this time of year - perhaps it is because the locally grown carrots are second-to-none, and Rudolf has had the final say!

Where to go from here

Whatever the reason, Santa’s first visit was on Saturday 28th November. The Grotto was ready, the Christmas decorations were well established and the Little Helpers had been drafted in from the North Pole, and Lapland, and Birkdale and Formby.

The picture shows two of the Elves keeping watch over the Grotto - Rudolf and the sleigh were parked out at the back and, would you believe it? They got a parking ticket. There’s at least one Scrooge who won’t be getting a visit this Christmas!

Now visiting the Grotto is one of those treats which is mostly for boys and girls, that is to say boys and girls who have been very good, and who believe in Santa Claus.

Which explains why the doorway to Santa’s Grotto is only about four feet high. No problem at all for the tinies, not at all easy for the grown-ups. Only a few are allowed in; not only do they have to have been good, too, but they also have to believe in SC!

This year, the Little Helpers report that all the boys and girls have been very, very good indeed, and have remembered that not only does Rudolf love carrots, but also that the Big Chap loves mince pies. It’s great to know that some things never change!

And a picture of SC? No, he’s very shy really, at least, the REAL Santa is shy. All the others are merely imitations!