The Rotary Christmas Float and Sleigh returned to a more recognisable format for Christmas 2021 after the difficulties experienced owing to the Covid restrictions of the previous year. There was a full tour of Street to Street collections on 16 evenings when the Float was out in and around the Chesham area. The first evening was on Wednesday 1st December and the final one was completed on Tuesday 21st December. For the first time since we have been engaged with the Christmas Float, and this was the eighth year, the Rotary Club was not initially allocated a route. We were held in reserve in the event of the non-availability of any of the groups which were walking with the Float. It did happen when we had to cancel the Float going out on one evening owing to the severe weather warning of very strong winds. The group who were originally allocated that route were unable to provide sufficient numbers on any of the 3 available reserve dates. The Rotary Club members therefore took the Float out on one of those evenings. Some of the difficulties we have experienced in recent years of some groups turning up on their allocated evening with numbers of collectors well below the expected minimum did not happen this year. The response from all groups and the enthusiasm from the collectors was excellent.
The static collections in Chesham Broadway took place with the Float stationary next to the War Memorial as in previous years. It was there on 5 occasions, again as in previous years. The first appearance was on Wednesday 8th December and appeared every Wednesday and Saturday until the final date which was Wednesday 22nd December.
We received a number of special requests for the Float and we were able to fulfil most of them but not all. On 16th December and for the second consecutive year the Float with Santa on board and with 2 other Rotarians attended the Portobello Care Home in Chartridge Lane. It was an integral part and a highlight of the residents Christmas Party. A number of them came out to see Santa and the Float, Christmas Carols were sung, refreshments were supplied and the festivities were enjoyed by all. The Float then carried on to The Lee and Lee Common and again as in the previous year the majority of the village turned out to see Santa and the Float going through the village. Once more it was a memorable occasion for all.
Both of those commitments have the feel of becoming an annual event. Another annual request and event was Santa attending and handing out presents to the children at their Christmas Party at the The Griffin public house.
Unfortunately we were unable to fulfil the request to attend the Riding For The Disabled premises at Ashley Green but that will be built into the plan for Christmas 2022. Similarly we were unable to fulfil the request for the Float to attend a Christmas Fair at Chesham Town Hall on a Sunday owing to technical problems on the day with the Float. However Santa was able to attend.
The total money collected from all sources for this Christmas was the most money collected since we started with the Float 8 years ago. Considering the recent difficulties leading up to the Christmas period it was an amazing result. A big thank you goes to all the groups involved in walking with the Float in the evenings and the tremendous support and donations from the people of Chesham and the surrounding area. The result was the sheer delight and excitement of the many hundreds of children seeing and talking to Santa in his Sleigh.
As a result of the generous donations received throughout December, each of the groups which took the Float out received £600 which is the most any of the groups have ever received since we started. To say that they were overjoyed at such an amount is an understatement.
We desperately need to find a new home for the Float. It needs to be dry and secure and we need it now. Before the Float can start its appearances for this Christmas it will need some remedial work, and quite a bit in its present state. If we do not find a new dry home for it immediately the deterioration in the coming months could be catastrophic.
The request by one of the mums visiting the Float in The Broadway and telling Santa her son would be coming to visit him and would ask for an unusual present, a Hearse! She informed Santa not to be alarmed by the request, the family lived opposite a funeral directors and he kept seeing the hearse with the lovely flowers on board and he liked the idea.
After our evening visit to The Lee and Lee Common we were presented with a copy of the wonderful 2022 calendar of The Lee courtesy of Phil Harrison and his daughter. Santa in his Sleigh is very proud to feature as Mr December!
Rotarians Mervyn Edwards and Chris Marsh
2nd March 2022
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Chesham Rotary has one or two speakers or visitors each month during our meetings. Have a look at what has been happening recently.
moreThe Rotary Clubs of Amersham, Chesham and Great Missenden extend their congratulations to all the winners.
morePlease use this link if you wish to donate to Chesham Rotary
moreChesham Rotary Club would like to thank residents and visitors to Chesham who supported our Christmas Float over the Christmas period and made our collections for local charities such a success. You can donate here
moreCelebration of 25 years of the Chess Valley Male Voice Choir. Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Chesham 23rd March 2019
moreOn Tuesday 17th July 2018 the annual titanic struggle took place between opposing teams for the 'Texas Scramble’ golfing match. This was followed by the putting competition and supper organised and hosted by Inner Wheel.
moreLetters of thanks received by Chesham Rotary
moreAt the end of June, The Rotary Club of Chesham presented two local people with the most prestigious award from Rotary Foundation and International – THE PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP.
moreThe Rotary Club of Chesham promises to respect the confidentiality of any personal data members or supporters share with us.
moreThe Youth Council of Chesham organised the inaugural Chesham and Villages Young People Community Awards
moreRotary recognises the service given by one member of the Chiltern Chamber of commerce who has given unselfish support to the community for many years.
moreThe Mayor of Chesham, Rotary Club of Chesham and Chiltern Chamber of Commerce were delighted to present a Special Recognition Award to the students of Chesham Grammar School
moreIn Christmas 2017 Chesham Club pushed the technology barrier and used an Online Tracker System to pin point the actual location of Santa directly onto the club website as it was happening.
moreThe Rotary Club of Chesham once again organised the annual Stroke Awareness Day on Saturday 12th May 2018
moreRotary Club of Chesham's Peace in the Park 2023: A Resounding Success and Celebration of Unity
moreA Technology Tournament was hosted by the Chiltern Hills Academy on Friday 1st March organised by the Rotary Clubs of Amersham, Chesham, and Great Missenden.
moreChesham Rotary Club held the local round of the National Young Photographer competition, where local youngsters took photos based on a ‘Wild Nature‘ theme.
moreLooking for something fun and entertaining to add the “WOW” factor to your event whilst also allowing you to raise additional funds for your cause!! Look no further than using the Rotary Club of Chesham Games.
moreThousands of youngsters take part every year in our youth competitions which in most cases take the form of regional heats followed by a national final. The majority are categorised into junior, intermediate and advanced age groups.
moreA Technology Tournament was hosted by the Chiltern Hills Academy on Friday 24th February. This was organised by the Rotary Clubs of Chesham, Amersham, and Great Missenden.
moreOn the 19th August members of Chesham Club and guests attended President Kalpesh Patel's Barbecue.
moreThe Rotary Young Chef competition was held on Saturday 12th January 2019 at Piper's Corner School
moreSilverson Machines Limited recognised for Excellence in Manufacturing and services to the Chesham Community.
moreChesham Rotary has been around for 75 years. We are an organisation of practical action and we are proud of the Chesham community rising to the current challenge.
moreThe Rotary Club of Chesham are supporting Chiltern Music Therapy and other local groups (who have or do support dementia suffers and carers). The walk in the beautiful Chiltern Hills took place on Sunday 4th September 2022.
moreIn May this year Chesham Rotary Club supported Mayor Emily Culverhouse in the Mayor’s Charity Water Slide Event held in Lowndes Park.
moreChesham Rotary took children and carers to Whipsnade Zoo on 12th June.
See the letters of thanks from the children on this page
This was an incredible show of local talent by children and adults from Chesham and surrounding area. The versatility, inspiration and professionalism shown by the artistes was absolutely amazing.
moreSanta's Visit Programme for 2021 has been finalised. He will be visiting streets in and around Chesham. Find the Santa Tracker here.
moreRotarians Mervyn Edwards and Chris Marsh give their report to members concerning the Christmas 2021 activities
moreOn Wednesday 17th July 2024 the Rotary Club of Chesham were invited to visit Heritage House as a thank you for the work undertaken by some of our members
moreOn Wednesday 17th June, President Jeremy Wyman arranged for a special event to mark the end of his Presidency. A VIRTUAL CREAM TEA !!!
moreSanta's Sleigh schedule is now finished for Christmas 2023. He has visited streets in and around Chesham.
moreChesham Rotary Club members were pleased to be involved in this year’s Chesham Schools Carnival, the main event being in Lowndes Park.
moreSanta's Visit Programme for 2023 has been finalised. He will be visiting streets in and around Chesham.You can get to the Santa Tracker from this page.
moreSome of the photos that were taken during the christmas in Chesham celebrations held on the 24th November 2017
moreThe Technology Tournament for teams of Secondary Schoolchildren. The 2018 Technology Tournament took place on 23rd February at the Chiltern Hills Academy, Chesham.
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