Romiley and Marple Lions Christmas at the DMR
Great news shared by Terry Harding of Romiley and Marple Lions:
I think you've now got all the relevant details regarding this year's Marple Santa Dash so I thought I'd better send you our plans for the Christmas period, whilst also paying tribute to Brian Lomas and his DMR (at Dobbies' Marple Garden Centre). They really have given us wonderful support over the years and work side by side with the Club every Christmas during our busiest and most successful fundraising period. As you know, they also give all our Santa Dashers a free train ride.
We first teamed up with them in 2009 and I think I can safely say that many local families (and probably some from outside the area) look forward to visiting Father Christmas in his beautifully decorated grotto or just having a train ride round the equally beautifully decorated circuit. Brian and his team of volunteers really do transform the whole area into a Christmas Winter Wonderland.
Children and adults alike never cease to be captivated!
Although the Club is usually only "working on the Railway" during the Christmas period, the DMR is obviously active throughout the year - open at week-ends, on Bank Holidays and during school holidays. Always well worth a visit. In addition to the Christmas Grotto, another highlight of the Railway's year is Halloween - when the circuit and the tunnel are again spectacularly decorated.
It is always a pleasure to work with Brian and his colleagues, or just visit them for a brew and a chat. Romiley and Marple Lions (and the area we "serve") have much to thank them for. Last year, after much hard work by all concerned, Father Christmas reigned supreme and was able to receive visitors in his Grotto.
Plans coming together for Christmas 2023
As usual, the Club will be bringing Father Christmas to the Grotto prepared for him by the Dragon Miniature Railway at Dobbies' Marple Garden Centre. He will arrive at 11am on Saturday 2nd December and the Grotto will be open every weekend through to Christmas (including Christmas Eve). Opening Times will be Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4.30pm for the first two weekends, with an earlier starting time (10.30am) coming into effect on Saturday, 9th December. Should there be any additional opening times they will be announced by the Railway.
As ever, many thanks for publicising this and the Marple Santa Dash. Your continued support is invaluable and very much appreciated.