An Interview With Father Christmas
Father Christmas is always made welcome when
he appears collecting funds for Watford Rotary Club, in an interview the
Observer had with him recently, he reminisced about his experiences whilst
riding his sleigh through the streets of Watford and collecting outside Tesco’s,
Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda.
“It never ceases to amaze me how generous the
Watford Community are, take this year for example, we lost a couple of days
street collecting due to the snow, but despite that, people dug even deeper into
their pockets and we came up on par with the previous year, an amazing
achievement and one the Watford Community can take pride in. The children (and
mums and dads) really look forward to seeing Santa and his sleigh driving down
their street and the look of enjoyment on the childrens faces make it all
worthwhile. I have great fun looking at the windows of the houses and flats and
seeing the children waving. My sleigh driver Allan Packham has been amazing over
the last few years, negotiating the narrow streets to ensure everyone sees me,
but all good things must come to an end, and at 81, and 27 years driving my
sleigh, he has decided to retire and we are looking for someone to take his
place.
When collecting outside the supermarkets or
in the High street, it’s a real buzz to see how people react to me, I have had
Sikh’s, Muslims and Orthodox Jews making a point of coming over and generously
donating, many wanting selfies with me, I’m also taken aback by the various
nationalities in Watford, I have had Japanese, Chinese, Americans, Canadians,
Africans etc alll coming over for a chat and yes, Watford’s Father Xmas has his
picture doing the rounds in all those countries.
I have lots of fond memories whilst
collecting, I remember this year, I was collecting outside a supermarket and had
2 sets of twins come over to donate, as is my norm, I gave them a lollipop each.
A few days later, I was riding my sleigh around the streets of Watford and
believe it or not, I saw the same twins eagerly awaiting my arrival, imagine
their surprise when I said to them “I remember you, I gave you a lollipop a
couple of days ago”, they were overjoyed that I remembered them. I love it when
children come running over and want to give Santa a hug, the excitement in their
eyes, the smiles on their faces, being Santa is the best job in the
world.
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Fund Raising Events
back Watford Rotary holds several fund raising events during the year.