It will be a case of ‘home from home’ when Father Christmas swaps his workshop for a fleeting trip to Cromer.
Despite his busy schedule, Santa is leaving the North Pole to enjoy his specially-designed grotto at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Cromer.
It has been produced free of charge by Structure-Flex Ltd and will provide a perfect, authentic backdrop when the great man comes to meet children and hand out presents on Saturday, 23rd December (10am until 4pm).
“Structure-Flex is very kindly designing and donating a surround to cover the inside of our men’s department, so it will give the illusion of a grotto,” said Cromer shop manager Roxanne Goff.
“They sent a mock-up recently and it looks amazing.
“It means we can effectively ‘wrap’ the room, with a curtain at the front, and it will feel very authentic and Christmassy.
“It’s a fantastic gesture and we’re very grateful.
“It should be a lovely, festive community event and we’ve got some beautiful books for the children that meet Father Christmas.”
Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Structure-Flex, added: “In our 50-year history, this is perhaps the most important job we’ve had, helping give Father Christmas a home-from-home in which to hand out presents to girls and boys in Cromer.
“Community and family are very important to our team, especially at this time of year, so the chance to support EACH and the amazing work it does was our pleasure.”
Customers young and old will also be able to enjoy mince pies and sweets provided by the Cromer branch of Morrisons.
Meanwhile, visitors to the shop, in Tucker Street, are already getting in the spirit by taking part in its ‘Find Comet’ game.
The toy reindeer is being hidden within the store and anyone who finds it receives a bag of sweets from the counter. They then get to hide it ready for the next person.
“It’s been great fun and it isn’t just children who have taken part,” added Roxanne.
“People of all ages are finding it hilarious and the very first person to find our Comet was a lady in her 80s!”
To find out more about volunteering for EACH in Cromer, pop in for a chat, email Roxanne via roxanne.goff@each.org.uk or call 01263 801998
