School's Christmas Fair gets special visit

11.12.02

Edward Davey helping Santa at St Joseph's Primary School

Local MP dons Santa suit for school fair

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, stood in at short notice as Santa at St.Joseph's Primary School when Santa Claus himself was delayed. Mr.Davey was at the school on Friday 6th December to open their Christmas fair.

The school has just resurrected its Parent Teacher Friends Association (PTFA) and the Christmas Fair at the weekend was their first fundraising event. It raised over £700 which will go towards improvements for the school and its pupils.

Edward Davey opened the fair, but when Santa Claus unfortunately got stuck in traffic, Edward donned a special Santa suit and stood in for Santa. He gave out sweets in the school's Santa's Grotto (which doubles as a P.E. cupboard out of season) and heard the children's Christmas present requests.

Hannah O'Gorman, St.Joseph's Headteacher, said:

"We were delighted by the success of the Christmas Fair and the first of many events organised by our PTFA to raise money for the school.

"I would like to thank Debbie Thomas, Irene Lafferty, Maureen Cunningham and all the other parents who worked hard to organise the fair and make it so successful. Local businesses were also very supportive in donating money and prizes, and we were thrilled by the results.

"We are also grateful that Mr.Davey was able to stand in at the last minute to man the grotto - so the children weren't disappointed!"

Commenting, Mr.Davey said:

"The fair was excellent. I know the organisers worked hard and am delighted the fair raised so much money for the school.

"It was a great shame Santa's sleigh got delayed in Kingston's congested streets, but I was pleased the school had a special Santa look-a-like costume. I think some of the children were beginning to suspect I wasn't the real Santa, so I was pleased when he arrived.

"It was my first time standing in for Santa Clause. As my birthday is Christmas Day, I know more than most what an honour that is."