JINGLE bells, Christmas songs, and the rattling of collecting buckets... it’s that time of year again and that means just one thing in Llandrindod Wells - the Round Table have garnered the help of their old pal Santa to help raise some much-needed funds for the town.
Despite very wet conditions during this year’s collection, Santa, his sleigh, and 10 hardy collectors braved the outdoors and raised more than £1,700 for local causes.
“The weather this year was atrocious,” laughed Round Table treasurer Mike Gough, who runs AE Gough & Sons Hauliers.
“We saw hundreds of kids and raised £1,750 over the two week period. But from our point of view, it’s not about the money raised, it’s about how it’s seen and the Christmas spirit when people hear the music and see Santa on the back of the sleigh.”
Mike, who has been a member of the Round Table for more than two decades, said the original idea behind the annual sleigh ride was to hand out sweets for local residents and their families, and collect money for good causes if people felt they would like to donate.
“All money raised is then spent locally as much as possible. For example, if we are fundraising in Crossgates we would try and give the money back to the PTA or a similar local organisation there,” explained Mike.
Last year the Round Table gave money to local primary schools, the Hereford Chest Fund and the Samaritans, among others. Organisations can write to the Round Table and apply for funding.
If you would like to join Round Table and help out with local events such as fundraising and the annual carnival, contact Mike on 01597 822052 or any Round Table member as they are always looking for extra help.