After a very busy Autumn season, Newbury Lions are resting and re-grouping in preparation for 2026. Their highly popular Fireworks event at Newbury Racecourse on November 1^st was followed only 2 weeks later by the Santa grotto in the Kennet Centre as part of the Newbury Christmas Lights Switch-on event. With barely time to draw breath, they were doing essential maintenance on their Santa sleigh in preparation for their sleigh runs in Thatcham, Newbury and surrounding villages. In all, 8 sleigh runs were completed, despite some awful weather, two static collections and a further Santa grotto plus two visits to local Care Homes.

Judith Colby, Lions Vice-President, said “It all gets a bit frantic in the latter part of the year, and it gets more difficult as we have fewer members now to take on the work. We hate to disappoint the children but at one point it looked as though we might have to cancel our Santa sleigh runs due to lack of helpers, especially the man himself! Luckily, after a plea in NWN, we were able to recruit an amazing Santa crew who literally saved Christmas!”

Some of the money raised has already been used to provide store vouchers for needy families at Christmastime as well as helping to provide food hampers for those supported by local charity West Berkshire Homeless. At the final Santa appearance outside Tesco Extra, shoppers were encouraged to donate items to the Food Bank.

Despite being so few in number, Lions will continue to do what they can to support those in need in the community. “We are always looking for like minded folk to join us and help at our events” Judith said. “We meet just once a month to organize fundraising events and to approve requests for help. We need more helpers if we are to continue to organize enjoyable events and are also looking for sponsorship for our flagship Fireworks event to allay the ever-increasing costs associated with its delivery”

Lions will be at the Volunteer Bureau’s V365 event on January 10^th at the Corn Exchange and invite anyone wanting to know more to pop in for a chat. They can also be contacted on info@newburylions.org.uk.