A charity group which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes is merging with another in the area.
Members of the Rotary Club of South Holland are joining the Spalding branch due to falling numbers
One of the group’s biggest fundraisers was helping Santa around the district before Christmas. But the tradition will continue with help from Spalding Round Table, the Forty One Club and the Spalding Ladies’ Circle.
A spokesman for the Rotary Club of South Holland said: “The club has, unfortunately, ceased to operate after almost 40 years.
“Several factors have been instrumental in forcing this closure – not least of which are the reluctance of younger people to join and commit to community service, and the advancing age of many members
“All is not lost, however, as several members have transferred to The Rotary Club of Spalding, swelling the numbers to provide a larger group with the same aims of service in this area.
“We estimate that since the first sleigh took to the streets in December 1986 the public’s generosity has helped us raise upwards of £400,000 for charitable purposes.
“All the local volunteer groups who helped in the past will have the opportunity to support the venture as usual.”
To say thank-you to the Rotary and Round Table, Santa enjoyed a rare mid-August trip to Spalding.
Round table member Matt Clark said: “I have fond memories of our local Round Table playing the role of Santa’s helpers.
“When the opportunity arose for Spalding Round Table to take over the sleigh, it brought back these memories and felt like a natural fit.
“We are deeply grateful to South Holland Rotary members for entrusting us with this cherished tradition and their very well-maintained sleigh, but mostly for the exceptional work they have done over the years.”
