Hoping for good weather Saintfield Christmas ride

16 November 2011

THE countdown is on to this year’s Christmas charity ride in Saintfield. Organiser Joan Cunningham is keeping her fingers crossed that the weather will be kind on December 3 after the ride had to be abandoned after three attempts last year due to Arctic weather conditions.

The event takes place at Saintfield Livestock Market at the Belfast Road outside the town by kind permission of Brian and Geoffrey Murphy.

The festivities get underway at 11am with a mulled wine and mince pie reception, with riders heading off one hour later for the hack event which is suitable for all riders.

Those taking part are asked to dress up as Santa and prizes will be presented in the marquee after lunch for the best turned out Santas in all age groups. All children under 12 who take part in the ride will receive a special award and there will be exciting prizes for those who have made the effort to get themselves sponsored.

The ride is scheduled to proceed along Saintfield’s Main Street around 1pm led by George Fawcett’s magnificent horse drawn carriages, one of which will Santa on board.

Celebrities and guest VIP’s will accompany Santa in the other carriages which will pull up at the Christmas tree where he will meet and greet all children before making his way back to his grotto at the Mart where lunch will be served in a huge marquee generously sponsored by North Down Marquees.

Joan explained when Santa is in his grotto, parents can bring their children and purchase a present, with the money going to a local charity to help families who are struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.

She added: “It would be very much appreciated if everyone would bring a present for a child or adult wrapped in Christmas paper with the appropriate age group on it and these will also be distributed by a local charity.”

The charity ride and lunch costs £20 for adults and £10 for children. Entrance to the marquee is free and everyone can enjoy lunch for a £5 donation. Lunch is free for children under 11.

Riders interested in getting themselves sponsored with the money going towards their entry fee can download a form from www.saintfieldchristmascharityride.webs.com. Further information is also available by contacting Joan on (028) 9751 9030, 07775 860744 or email joancunningham1@gmail.com.

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