After a week of warm-ish, dry weather the clouds set in and looked set to wash our Santa Cruise away. The gods must be classic VW fans though, as the rain held back enough to encourage 30 cars and buses to make the effort and join us for the 4th annual Santa Cruise.

Leaving from Burgess Hill on Sunday morning, we took to the roads in our Christmassy convoy, with Tadworth Court near Reigate our destination. Lead expertly (well, almost)  by David in our 1956 Splitscreen pick-up, motorists and pedestrians pointed and waved as we made our way along, at a surprisingly steady pace!

Upon arrival the children staying at Tadworth, along with parents, carers and staff came to say hello. The visual impact of 60+ Santa Claus’s was quite something! Presents, in true Father Christmas fashion, were generously left by Santa Cruisers under the tree.

Stopping long enough to enjoy hot drinks, a snack and a quick chat we then gathered outside for a group photograph before the rain settled in. With our goodbyes said we headed our own separate ways, a good deed well and truly done and an afternoon ahead to reflect upon it.

A count up on Monday morning revealed the success of our Sunday morning activities. With the VW Heritage directors kindly donating the costs of the Santa outfits, all money taken on the day, a fantastic £500, will be given directly to the Children’s Trust.

That just leaves me to thank everyone for supporting this event over the past 4 years, and for donating presents, money and your time to make a real difference to some local charities.

Hope to see you next year!!

Andy