Santa is making an appearance in housing estates in Peel from 4pm to 6pm on the next two Saturdays, thanks to the combined efforts of many in the community.
He’s on a sleigh made by the Men in Sheds and decorated by the art group at Port Erin’s hub.
It has been paid for by Viking and Glen Faba masonic lodges.
Santa will be giving out sweets and tangerines bought by Isle of Man Seafood Products and CB Horne Ltd, sitting on sheepskin donated by Island Sheepskins and he’s being helped by local people, town commissioners and MHK Ray Harmer, who are donning reindeer and elfs outfits.
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The whole enterprise has been driven by Ian Davison, Peel Commissioners’ chairman.
’Historically we have a Civic Sunday service in Peel followed by a buffet.
’It’s a very nice buffet but it does not benefit anyone other than those at the buffet, it does not benefit the community. I thought it would be nice to break with tradition, with the money that would have been used on the buffet we could make a sleigh.’
He got in touch with Men in Sheds and got hold of plans for a sleigh from the USA.
’The men adapted it to make an eight foot long, four foot wide sleigh and made reindeer in front which seem to be flying,’ he said.
This was an ’ideal project’ for Men in Sheds said co-ordinator Les Shires. ’We realised it was too big for the shed, so we put the runners on outside,’ he said.
’It’s absolutely marvellous for us. ’We do community projects and we have had fun doing it, that’s the secret, so long as we’re having fun.’
’We’re looking to do every year and other local authorities can use it if they want. It’s about spreading a little bit of happiness at this time of year.’
Tomorrow (Saturday) the first stop will be Market Square from 4pm to 4.30pm, then on to North View from 4.35pm, Campian Close in Ballawattleworth from 4.45pm, Maple Avenue from 5.15pm and finally Shoprite car park, Upper Shoprite, Peel, from 5.40pm to 6pm.
Men in Sheds gives retired men over 55 with a regular opportunity to meet and and join with others in a workshop setting, for metalwork, woodwork and more.