Meriden Santa Fun Run and Sleigh report

Report of the Santa Fun Run held on 30 November 2025 and the Santa Sleigh.

Santa Fun Run

First of all, our thanks go to:

• Lord and lady Guernsey for allowing us to use the Packington estate, support with signage from Saltem, 1st aid from Dave from Arley medical Services,
• Rotary members who set up on Saturday and attended Sunday
• Steve whose connections with Packington made the venue available, and to Warwick who co-ordinated it all.

We were pleased to welcome the mayor of Solihull Councillor Annette Mackenzie who attended and presented the medals.

Santa Sleigh

Then the Santa sleigh took to the roads of Meriden, Millison's wood, Hampton-in-Arden and Kingshurst.

Many thanks are due to Geoff Arthur. Without his input the event would not happen.

Before setting out he sets up and breaks down the sleigh afterwards.

Every night he walks the complete routes.

Steve Allcock has worked on the sleigh with Geoff during the year to ensure it is roadworthy and have now fitted a new sound system and generator.

Some of our sponsors are here tonight.

Thanks go to Andy Edwards, Carters Ltd., Jackie & Sally Hodge from Roger Lees Ltd, Reginald Burke & co., Colin Lang from Jalise Ltd.

All this is topped out with Santas Phil and David giving Christmas joy to children as they pass through the villages.

We are supported by many willing volunteers from outside of the club to collect each night, without them we couldn’t put on the event and many worthy causes would not benefit.

Also, without overstating the case, we have had continuous and unrelenting help in towing the sleigh every night from Matthew Hughes. He has been joined most nights by family Hughes who have supported collection duties regularly.

With our sincere thanks

All the Meriden Rotart Club members