Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride launched in style at Gala Charity Ball
New venue for 18th Santa ride in Saintfield, being held on December 7
The Gala Charity Ball was the most perfect and glamorous evening to launch the 18th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride, which will take place on Saturday, December 7. The ride will start from its fantastic new venue, by very kind permission of Father McHugh and Mary Mother of The Church, 33 Crossgar Road, Saintfield.
All the Santas will meet at 11am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception, before mounting up and leaving the car park at 12 noon. The ride will turn left and head towards Saintfield and then turn right into Todds Hill and the Station Road.
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Meantime, back in Saintfield, the crowds of well-wishers will be entertained by the one and only Hugo Duncan, Gerard Dornan and Box Car Brian.
At approximately 1.15pm, the ‘Real Santa’ will appear coming over Todds Hill in his magnificent carriage, followed by his multitude of Santas on horseback. This spectacular sight is one not to be missed. Santa will make his way up the Main Street to the Christmas Tree and will alight from his carriage to the absolute delight of all the children. He will meet and greet the children and, knowing Santa, he'll have something in his sack for them.
The Santas will then continue up the Main Street heading towards Ballynahinch and turn right down Fair View Terrace and back down the Main Street, turning right into Downpatrick Street and back to Mary Mother of the church by the back entrance.
Meanwhile, back at the Gala Charity Ball at La Mon, Santa arrived to make sure everyone is prepared for his arrival in Saintfield on Saturday, December 7.
Ride organiser, Joan Cunningham said: “I can honestly say the Ball was, without doubt, one of the best nights I have ever attended. A piper (Jack Moore), piped us in for our dinner in the old traditional way. Country Harmony, Hugo Duncan and Box Car Brian were absolutely fantastic. Derek Spencer was MC. Ulster Television's Katie Andrews judged the best dressed lady, which was won by Esther Atuhaire.
“I can't thank people enough for their generosity. The items we received for the ballot and auction were fantastic. Gerard Dornan from Country Harmony was the auctioneer and he was absolutely brilliant. Pius Kulama said a few words at the beginning to remind us why we were there to raise funds to bring the I Am Family Children's Choir over from Uganda next year, where they will sing and dance at the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride.”
The full route of the ride the Santas will be taking will be published before the December 7. Details to follow.
The cost of the ride is £20 adults and £10 children, which includes the mulled wine reception. Entries are now open and can be made online at www.saintfieldhorseshow.com; contact Joan Cunningham on 07775 860744 or email: joancunningham1@gmail.com
