DUP Cllr Alan Lewis to join Santa in a Christmas warm-up around Slieve Croob areas
Slieve Croob Newry Mourne and Down District Council Councillor Alan Lewis has announced the date for his annual Santa Visit.
The DUP Councillor has organised this festive event since he was elected in 2019.
Cllr Lewis said: “As a child I always remember the excitement of the Santa visit which was organised by a local charity.
“I feel that as a community we have lost unique fun traditions such as this, so I wanted to bring it back and inject more fun and excitement into Christmas giving local children something to look forward to from the safety of their own garden.”
“I have a local man who decorates his landrover with tinsel and lights, we get Santa a chair, help him into the back and off we go. No reindeer required!
“In previous years HM Coastguard provided a blue light escort. If police want to get involved and support, they are more than welcome.”
Councillor Lewis added: “I am sure there are health and safety concerns, but we take her easy, Santa is a professional.
“We have selected estates in Spa, Seaforde and Clough, and we will also visit Ballyward. I have some sweets and lollies for the children, it all adds to the fun. Full details will be published on my social media channels.”
“In previous years people have come forward and offered us money. I never had a collection, I just did it out of my own pocket for the fun of it.
“However, it occurred to me that we could help a local charity while also having a bit of craic. In previous years we chose the NI Air Ambulance as a charity and we now support the Air Ambulance with an annual quiz. This year the Santa collection will go to Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, towards the Cancer Fund for Children.”
Cllr Lewis has confirmed that he will be visiting the following areas on Thursday 19 December:
• Spa at 7pm,
• Seaforde at 7.45pm,
• Clough at 8.15pm,
• finishing in Ballyward at the church hall car park at 8.45pm.
