Santa comes to the Chesterfield Canal

SANTA CLAUS will be all over the Chesterfield Canal in the build up to Christmas, writes Rod Auton.

He will be cruising on four different boats leaving from five different locations. On every trip, he will be welcoming children and adults alike, but it's essential that you book in advance.

Run by volunteers

The trips are run by the volunteers of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. On all its Santa Special cruises, there is a present for every child and a mince pie and a drink for every adult. There is a flat rate of £7 per person.

In Chesterfield, the tripboat John Varley will be doing Santa Special cruises on every Saturday and Sunday from 24th November to 23rd December and on Wednesday 19th, Thursday 20th and Friday 21st December. All leave from Tapton Lock, on the Tesco roundabout in Chesterfield, S41 7JB. For bookings, ring 01629 533020.

Retford end of canal

At the other end of the canal in Retford, the tripboat Seth Ellis will be running Santa Special cruises every Saturday and Sunday from 24th November to 23rd December and on Monday 24th December. All leave from the Hop Pole on the A620, Welham Road, DN22 6UG. For bookings, ring 07925 851569.

Santa will be on the canal in Worksop for just one weekend - Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December—when the tripboat Hugh Henshall will be running Santa Special cruises from the Lock Keeper pub, S81 1TJ. For bookings, ring 0114 360 0460 and leave a message.

Staveley

Hollingwood Hub on Works Road, Staveley, S43 2PF, will see the tripboat Madeline running Santa Special cruises on every Saturday and Sunday from 1st to 23rd December. For bookings, ring 01629 533020.

Finally, Hugh Henshall, will be running Santa Special cruises on every Saturday and Sunday from 8th to 23rd December from Shireoaks, S81 8LP. For bookings ring 0114 360 0460 and leave a message.

Last year the Trust carried well over 2,000 happy Santa fans, so make sure that you book soon whilst there are still places available.