Father Christmas float stolen

Rotary Club of Middleton, the Christmas float’s house-to-house tour

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

The Rotary Club of Middleton’s Father Christmas float has been stolen from land near Hansons Close, Middleton. The float, housed in a 20 foot container, has been used through the streets of Middleton for the past 40 years helping the Club to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and community groups.

The Rotary Club is appealing to the public to contact them immediately if they spot the float discarded.

The Club is only weeks away from starting their Father Christmas local fund raising appeal and the float is a key ingredient.

Lee Wolf, Rotary’s Community Service Committee Chairman, said: “The club was shocked and upset to hear the news. The float itself will have no value to the thieves but it means a great deal to the club and the children of Middleton. A lot of time and effort has gone into making our Christmas float.

"If any member of the public happens to discover it discarded we would urge them to contact us immediately. If the float is not returned we are going to have to build a new one from scratch very quickly.”

The Christmas float has been a source of excitement and joy to the children of Middleton for four decades. Adults and children look forward to seeing Father Christmas in his sleigh travel down their street.

If the float is not found then the Rotary Club of Middleton is going to be urgently looking to source steel, marine ply, paints, lights and they will need the help of welders, joiners and painters to assist them in putting a new float together in just a few weeks.

Lee Wolf added: “We would really welcome the support of skilled professionals and local businesses to help us get Father Christmas back on the streets of Middleton this year. We are sending out an urgent SOS for help. We hope people will come forward and contact us.”

If anyone has seen the float or if anyone can help build, or offer materials to build, a new float please contact Lee Wolf:

middletonrotarycs@yahoo.co.uk
07785 786926

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/75766/christmas-float-touring-the-streets-of-middleton