On the weekend of 6th. and 7th. December families started to gather at Haynes to ride Summerfields Miniature Railway to Santa’s Grotto. Santa was reported to be in residence from 10am and steam was being raised at Haynes End in readiness for the first train departure.
With a blast on the whistle the first families with excited children were on their way. On arrival at Hammer Hill two elves met the train and escorted the families in to see Santa in his den. The children spoke to Santa whilst proud parents and grandparents took photographs. Santa gave each child a present from his bulging sack as they left.
Following their visit everyone boarded the waiting train for the return to Haynes End where a drink and refreshments were waiting for them. Trains departed in clouds of steam every 15 minutes throughout both days carrying more happy families to visit Santa. As the trains returned the station buffet was soon full with people enjoying their refreshments whilst the children played with their new gifts.
Over the two days 22 trains carrying over 500 people in 100 families made the trip. This year all trains were fully booked in early November and our passengers declared it to be very successful.
As Santa left to continue his work elsewhere club members relaxed after a busy weekend and reflected on the pleasure they received from watching families with happy children enjoying their visit.