Haverhill Santa is to ride again after community groups step into save the day

Haverhill has a brand-new Santa’s Sleigh thanks to a real community effort.

Haverhill Santa, a collaboration of the Haverhill Show Committee and the Disco Kitchen is set to tour the town in December in a freshly built sleigh to help raise money for REACH Community Projects and the Joshua Tarrant Trust.

The Haverhill Santa Team commissioned the new sleigh to be built by Dave Wilson, owner of Drive Green Vehicle Services, and by Ben Wierny Carpentry, with the graphics and wrapping provided by Amazing Graphics.

Haverhill Santa had been run for 27 years by Haverhill Round Table but it was announced last year that the organisation would no longer be able to continue, after which the new organising team stepped in.

Chairman of the Haverhill Show, Joe Mason, said: “The build team has exceeded expectations, everyone who has seen it is thrilled by the quality finish of the project. We gave Dave Wilson and Ben Wierny a challenging design brief and they have really delivered.”

Mr Wilson said: “We leaped at the chance to build Haverhill a new sleigh for the Haverhill Santa Team.

“There have been challenges and hurdles along the way and it has taken many late hours to complete this project.

“Sleigh building of course is new to us, as of course we specialise in vehicle repairs, but we could not be happier with the finished product. Santa will be delighted to visit the houses in Haverhill in his new sleigh!”

Andy Palazon lead fund-raiser from the Disco Kitchen added: “The Disco Kitchen’s role in this project was to help raise funds for the build and gather volunteers to man it.

“DK members and the local community have supported us all the way. Now the sleigh has been unveiled, I am just so excited to take it out. I hope it brings joy to local families for many years to come.”

Kelly Bennett, treasurer of the Haverhill Show and volunteer coordinator said “It’s been amazing to have so many volunteers come forward to help bring some Christmas Cheer to the town.

“It’s time to start digging out those Christmas Jumpers - “Santa Clause is coming to Town.”

Joe added: “This project has truly been a team effort funded entirely by the community.

“Thanks and appreciation from the Haverhill Santa Team go to everyone who donated money for this project and the local businesses who supported the project including; Drive Green Vehicle Services, Ben Wierny Carpentry, Amazing Graphics, Compression Solutions, Farrant Electrical, Travis Perkins and KiiWii Clothing & Promotions.”

The Haverhill Santa team are planning to visit every area of Haverhill this December and the sleigh will be on the High Street for the first time on Saturday, December 3. The tour of Haverhill will begin on Monday 5th in the Recreation Road and Hamlet Road areas with the last outing on Thursday 22nd in the Boyton Hall area.

Full details of the tour and other areas can be found on the New Haverhill Santa Facebook page or HERE .