Christmas Workshop Grotto opens at Fareham Shopping Centre

Mayor welcomes Santa and officially opens Christmas displays and decorations

The Mayor paid a special visit to Santa’s Workshop Grotto in Fareham Shopping Centre on Sunday 21st November after viewing the Centre’s Christmas lights and festive displays. The Mayor, Cllr Brian Bayford, accompanied Centre Director Pam Marsden through the Centre and marvelled at the Christmas tableaux brimming with reindeer and workshop elves. In the display outside Costa Coffee, a wishing well collects donations for the Mayor’s nominated charities, and a second well outside Bhs is collecting for The RSPCA’s Stubbington Ark. Once the Mayor had seen the displays and glittering decorations which adorn the Centre, he made his way to the Grotto, next door to Julian Graves, and cut the ribbon to declare it officially open. The Grotto, is run by and for Girlguiding Hampshire East. Jacqui Dixon, the County Commissioner for Girlguiding Hampshire East, joined the Mayor and Mayoress on their visit and girls from Gosport units have been getting into the Christmas spirit by dressing up in colourful elf costumes and helping Santa to welcome the children who visit him. Visitors to Santa will receive a gift and can also collect a form on which to write their Christmas letter to Santa. The Grotto is now open every Thursday evening (when special prices apply) and on weekends in the run-up to Christmas. It is also open every day during Christmas week. For Grotto opening times, entry prices and details about all the other competitions and Christmassy goings-on throughout December, visit the Centre’s Christmas web page or pick up a Christmas booklet from around the Centre. -Ends- Words: 275

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