As part of a 50 year long tradition, each Christmas, the Sleigh (known as ‘Rudolph’), makes its yearly pilgrimage to the primary schools and residential areas within the capital - with sweets given out upon each visit.
The sleigh is paraded around the Island on a flatbed trailer by a Land Rover Discovery and is equipped with festive lights and music, so the support of the local community in getting a new one up and running in time was essential. Rotary’s initial plan was to search the Internet for a replacement, only to find that it was not possible to buy them – leaving them no choice but to build one from scratch. With the help of several local businesses, the new sleigh was up and running two weeks before Christmas at a total cost of approximately £5,000.
The unveiling of their replacement Santa Sleigh has been warmly received amongst the Manx community; proving to be hugely popular with both children and their parents. Member of the Rotary Club of Douglas, Tim Rattray, praised the efforts of those behind its replacement: “The annual Santa Sleigh excursion has become a well-known sight on the Island, and although we were disappointed upon finding out that our sleigh had been damaged, it had become so worn down due to prolonged use that it felt like the right time to bring in a replacement. Once word got out about the Rotary Club of Douglas needing help in the construction of ‘Rudolph’, several businesses volunteered their services to create a bigger and better Santa Sleigh. It is so important that people visiting the sleigh recognise the compassion and time put in to restore Rudolph.”
The Rotary Club of Douglas wish to express their thanks to Eddie Allen of Yachthaven Honda, Isle of Man Steam Packet, Alan Seed, Irwin of Galla’s Foundry, Brian McNab and Ted, the joiners in Sulby, Colin Moore of F E Moore Ltd, Graham Dimalow and John Davies of Island Electrical Ltd, Graham Wignall of City Electrical Factors (IOM) Ltd, Graham Christian of Manx Disabled workshops, Mike of Signrite, Keith Osborn and Frank of Osborn’s, HSS Hire, David Mylchreest of Mylchreest Motors, Douglas Corporation and Dandara.
