Santa Comes To Leadgate

On the way from the Engine Shed

Saturday 9th December 2017 was a magical day for the children of Leadgate (and a fair number of adults too).

After working hard throughout the year and especially the first week of December, Santa climbed aboard his special sleigh which had been decorated by the elves of Leadgate Task Force, and loaded with presents purchased from the kind donations of the local community and headed to Leadgate to meet the children.

The date was also significant as it was the first anniversary of the opening of the new road from Villa Real to Leadgate and the Santa express entered the village along the road at 1.30 on its way to distribute early Christmas presents to the children of our village.

Along New Road

First stop was outside Leadgate Cricket & Social Club. The children welcomed Santa and his Reindeer and enjoyed Santa climbing off his sleigh to talk with them about their hopes for Christmas and, of course, receive a present from the man himself.

All I want for Christmas !!!!

Next it was onwards to St Ives Church, however due to the popularity of the event Santa made an unscheduled stop outside the Golden Lion on Front Street. Getting back on track the parade carried on along Front Street and St Ives Road traversing the roundabout at the Jolly Drovers before reaching the excited youngsters outside St Ives Church.

A Christmas to Remember

Leaving St Ives Church the parade travelled back down St Ives Road onto Watling Street then to Derwent Crescent via Tyne Avenue, where, once again, it was met by some very excited children.

Gathering at Derwent Crescent

A special Visit for Charlie

Leaving Tyne Avenue the parade travelled to the play area on Watling Street via Pont Lane. The light was starting to go but the enthusiasm of all concerned kept the the spirits high.

Hello Santa

The final stop of the day was at Leadgate Community Centre, once again, young and old were excited to see the main man and his workers.

A very Special First Xmas

It was good old North East England weather on the day extremely cold and windy but thankfully dry. It was clear that all the childen enjoyed the experience and Santa and his workers, cold, exhausted but very very happy that the event was enjoyed by all the children and their families,finished off with hot tea and mince pies courtesy of the Golden Lion. Roll on 2018.

Afternote:

After the parade we still had around 100 presents left over and, after discussion it was decided to distribute these to two local organisations - Learning for life - Adult Education Centre and Consett Foodbank.

Learning For Life

Distributing the last 50 presents to Consett Foodbank for onward distribution to needy families in our area.