Real Reindeer bring Christmas Cheer

Saturday the 14th of November was a big day for 6 reindeer in Huddersfield as they delighted large crowds for the annual reindeer parade for Armitage’s Garden Centres.  

The Shelley garden centre welcomed massive crowds excited to catch a glimpse of the reindeer from the renowned Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Avie more, Scotland as they pulled Santa in his sleigh to Armitage’s.

And the afternoon rain didn’t dampen the spirit at Birchencliffe. The crowds lined Lidget Street inLindley, under umbrellas, but excited to see the reindeer shake off the rain and delight the little ones.

The day was made extra special for 4 young people who had won the opportunity to ride in the sleigh with Santa for the parades. Jack Auty and Simone Dawes from Kirkheaton Primary School won their prize when their designs were chosen as winners of the Kirkwood Hospice’s Share a Card competition and their delighted faces captured the excitement of Christmas through the eyes of children.

Michael Slacke and Charlotte Margetson also enjoyed the sleigh ride after their names were drawn in a prize draw for the Santa Run organised by both Kirkwood Hospice and the Laura Crane Trust.

The reindeer were unable to attend for the last 2 years running after Blue Tongue restricted the movement of livestock but Armitage’s were delighted to welcome them back this year.

“The reindeer are magical and we can’t think of any better way to capture the excitement and magic of Christmas. “ Said William Armitage, director at Armitage’s Garden Centres. “We have missed the reindeer over the past few years and are so pleased so many turned out despite the weather to welcome them back to Armitage’s.”

The reindeer used in the Armitage’s parade are part of a 150 strong herd at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Aviemore, which was established in 1952. The herds roam over hundreds of acres of Scottish mountains and are carefully selected for events.

Monday 16th November 2009