Newtown’s Festive Spirit praised

Newtown has shown its resilient community spirit despite the tough economic times to ensure the town hosts a bumper Santa’s Grotto for local families this weekend.

For the first time, the grotto proved so successful last week that it will return tomorrow (Saturday) to Bear Lanes, and it has been made possible thanks to the generosity of local townsfolk.

“It is great that the town has shown such a charitable side and come together to bring some Festive cheer to the local children,” said Town Mayor, Joy Jones. “There have been a lot of negative things happening to the town recently but an event like this has really shown the strong community spirit that is running right through the town.”

From 10am-12.30pm, and then 1.30-3pm after lunch, Santa’s Grotto will open in Bear Lanes with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s Charities when local causes will benefit. Up to 220 presents have been donated by local businesses and organisations and these will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. There will be a charge of 50p per child and more money will be raised through ‘name the teddy’ and a lucky dip which has more presents on offer.

Donations for the grotto have been received from Fuze, Round Table, Rotary Club, Morrisons, Tesco, and Costcutter. Several shops have donated wrapping paper and Laura Ashley donated decorations for the grotto.