Newark College students create grotto for Santa Claus and he embraces technology this Christmas

A cosy grotto has been made by students at Newark College for Santa Claus to use as he adapts to coronavirus restrictions by embracing technology.

This year, instead of welcoming children to his grotto in Newark, Father Christmas will be making a special appearances inside people’s homes with a live Zoom call.

The grotto for Santa’s virtual visit has been made specially for him by students on furniture-making and art courses at the college. They have built and decorated a fireside setting, complete with a holly wreath above the mantelpiece.

Emma Holden, one of Santa’s helpers, said Father Christmas knew there was no cancelling the grotto in its fourth year, despite the ongoing pandemic.

“I was conscious the brand stayed alive and that people were aware it was still there for the community, and we would just have to adapt,” Emma said.

“So, we came up with Santa’s Virtual Grotto.”

Once Santa has had a personalised chat with a child, based on the information provided in the booking, he will send one of his magic elves to deliver a gift straight to the own door.

All Santa asks is that, as the elves are very shy creatures, when they deliver the gift in a whirlwind of glitter and magic, don’t approach them as they are easily frightened and need to get to the next delivery.

Profits will again go to the Children’s Bereavement Centre, Newark, and the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, in memory of Fernwood boy Daniel Harris who died just before Christmas in 2017.

The cost of a ten-minute chat with Father Christmas and an age-appropriate gift is £7.50 per child. If you have more than one child, they can chat to Santa at the same time and each receive a gift.

Places to have a call with Father Christmas and a child’s gift delivered are running out quickly, so booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

To book a slot, go www.shopnewark.online/santas -virtual-grotto-2020