Santa Claus

[DJ]

My article from yesterday's matchday programme:
Guess the Santa
Santa Claus has made a number of appearances at the Grove over the years, although I still can’t seem to find him in any of the official statistics. One particularly fine and memorable example was Santa’s impersonation of former Director and carpet-man John Williamson. In those days, the Christmas spirit was also upheld by Club Chaplain Ken Hipkiss’s carol services, which were held for a number of years in the Harry Rudge Stand.

On Saturday 14th December 2002, Santa chose to spend his day at the game between the Yeltz and Hednesford Town in a match sponsored by Thornleigh Freight of Dudley, who enjoyed their Christmas meal and festivities in the boardroom. The early “Christmas Day” at the Grove brought carols, mulled wine and mince pies but there was little festive cheer on the pitch as the Pitmen won a drab game by a single goal. But the game wasn’t the only damp squib. Clearly times must’ve also been hard in Lapland too in 2002 as Santa’s effort was hardly the most magical spectacle to attract the crowds.

This poor old Santa was stuffed into a rather grotty grotto in the storage cupboard near the club shop, framed with a few strands of cheap tinsel, and backed by a piece of old curtain.
Instead of spreading joy, he probably only managed to scare off the children for quite a few matches and ruin their Christmas dreams.

But just who was this Santa? Don’t they say the eyes always give it away (and maybe the bankers’ style watch is a clue too)?

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[YeltzDoc]

He shouldn’t be slate(r)d for his fine efforts.