CHRISTMAS Cheer will arrive early in Sampford Courtenay, in fact from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 11.

This will be the third year that Marion, Michele and team have organised some “Christmas Cheer” for the residents and children of Sampford Courtenay and neighbouring parishes to go to and enjoy.

As a small child, Marion, was allergic to Christmas trees, so her parents used to create a “Christmas Grotto” for Santa to leave his presents instead. Marion continued this tradition with her own children, grand-children and their friends.

Each year Marion produces a tableau of knitted characters from a popular children’s book or film, together with an associated wooden creation from her partner, Bill.

In 2019, her friend, Michele, persuaded Marion that all these tableaux would make a fantastic basis to a Christmas Wonderland in the Village Hall for children to admire while they queued to meet Santa himself.

Last year, almost 60 children and their parents, took their Covid safe slots to enjoy the Christmas Cheer, many local parents likening it to the visits they made as children to see Santa at Waltons in Exeter.

Any profits from the event will go towards the Roof-Us Appeal for the Village Hall. The hall committee is desperately in need of £150,000 to replace the roof.

If you would like to book your slot to see Santa in Sampford Courtenay Village Hall on December 11, please contact Marion on 01837 82285 or email: [email protected] .