Santa’s Grotto was started last year by the Lamb family in the garden of their house in Kippen. The aim was to raise funds for Start-up Stirling. These funds were to help give people in need a happier Christmas.
With the help of their many volunteer elves they managed to raise £525 in the first year. This year, the hardworking elves saw the total rise to £725. This was split between Start-up Stirling and ‘The Uniform Bank’ in Stirlingshire, an organisation who try supply children with cosy jackets and school uniforms if needed.
The Lamb’s transform their garden with a variety of floodlights and fairy lights. The addition of wooden reindeer, sleighs for photo opportunities for the children and a fairy light trail add to the atmosphere for the young and old alike. There is also an area, growing year by year, for a fairy village. There was also a model train for the children to play with allowing the adults to enjoy the social occasion. Young and not so young children also had the opportunity to have their faces painted by the elves.
The summerhouse was transformed into a colourful grotto where the children had the chance to talk with Santa, enjoy stories and receive gifts. Adults had the opportunity to photograph this visit to have some everlasting memories. The idea is for the children to have relaxed quality time with Santa.
All moneys raised were through the sale of baking and a raffle. Mulled wine both with or without alcohol and soup were also available and all were encouraged to donate. All items were donated by many generous businesses and friends of the Lamb’s from Kippen and surrounding areas.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all who gave their time and services to help and support this event. We intend making this an annual event and hope next year it can grow further and we can raise our total again.
Shirley Lamb
The Wee Vine 