Letter: Santa’s sadness at loss of Shrewsbury Toy Run
Friday 7th October 2011, 9:13AM BST.
Letter: It was with heavy heart that I read that there will be no Toy Run this year due to police cuts.
Having had the honour of being Father Christmas on many past toy runs in Shrewsbury and Telford I recall with strong emotion the feeling of great people who put themselves out each year, come rain or shine or even snow on some occasions, to bring a little bit of magic and happiness to the less fortunate at this special time of the year.
I have gone round the children’s ward and seen the faces of sick children light up with surprise and delight with a visit from Santa – even newborn babies were never left out. It was a really magical time.
The whole day was special from meeting with fellow bikers in the square, talking to passers-by, handing out sweets to the children passing through.The sheer enthusiasm of the people shopping around Shrewsbury added to the magic, their applause made the day so worthwhile. Even the police took on a special role and always enjoyed the day.
A special thank you to MCC Rainbringers for all their hard work. It will be a sad time this Christmas.
Thanks to all the lads and lassies who helped to make the runs such a success, without you it would not have happened. It is a sorry state of affairs that a few pounds has brought an end to this fantastic day out for all concerned. What price a bit of happiness?
John Berry (aka Father Christmas Retired!)
Leegomery
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I can’t believe that the toy run is cancelled this year. I have only missed one of them when my farther in law was taken ill in the last ten years. The Telford toy run is going ahead, I think it is outrageous that the police can not support this very popular local event for one day in the year. With the support received from the public on the day and the money you raise charities this was becoming a popular Christmas regular that raised Shrewsbury’s profile and attracted visitors to the town not with standing that four hundred + motorcyclists who gave up their time to raise money for local charities who are having a difficult time in this climate.
Jane
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I still cannot believe this story. The police can cough up 360,000 quid to escort a bunch of half-cut, half-witted yobs round Wellington, yet cannot find the resources to help this event.
Surely a few “official” marshals could be appointed for the day, and, with a bit of publicity in the local media, motorists could be given advance warning of small delays at the various junctions, and, with a bit of foresight, could avoid said junctions at said times.
Would Mr. Average motorist mind losing a few minutes for this? I doubt it very much.
So, is there any community spirit left in Shrewsbury? Come on people, get behind these guys, it’s only one day a year, and a special day for the kids they visit. Let’s hear it for the toy run—PLEASE.
Hey Daddy Xmas,,don’t put your beard in mothballs yet.
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It will be a terrible shame to lose the toy run but I fear it will be the first of many events hit by Police cut backs.
It is a good way for the Police to gain political capital against the cuts by causing difficulty in the communities they serve as opposed to looking at their own efficiencies first
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turn it into a demo———-you will get all midland police force for free
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What a joke. Well done the Police turn it into a political demonstration.
If the police got their act together and got out of Morrisons staff canteen on that Sunday morning there would be no problem.
Shame on you. How many police officers have been cut?
It is a great pity that the police are not more like John Berry and his friends.
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