Rotary finishes Christmas float in the nick of time

The Rotary Club of Middleton have finished their float in just the nick of time for their fundraising Father Christmas to hit the streets of Middleton today (3 December).

There was no guarantee that the new float would be completed after thieves stole the float from land near Hansons Close, Middleton last month.

The float has been used through the streets of Middleton for the past 40 years helping the Rotary Club of Middleton to raise thousands of pounds to help local charities and community groups.

Lee Wolf, Rotary’s Community Service Committee Chairman, said: “We have had a very difficult task to complete a new float in time for our Christmas collection but I am pleased to say, after some mammoth effort from Rotarians who gave up their precious time and to the various business who stepped in to help us with materials, labour and premises we are in a position to be taking Father Christmas to meet the children of Middleton this year.

“I have to give a special recognition and thanks to Ian Tomlinson and all the staff at GBS, Grange Bodyshop and Service Centre on Finlan Road, Middleton who stepped in at very short notice and found space in their busy garage to allowed us to paint the float.

"In addition, I want to thank Sarah Clarke and the entire staff at B&Q Bridgehall Industrial Park, Bury who stepped in and supplied the paint for the float after we were let down by another supplier.

"These companies responded quickly and the Rotary Club and the entire town of Middleton are deeply appreciative of their support.”

Other companies who stepped in at an early stage to help the club with the building of the new float include: Travis Perkins of Green Lane, Ash Timber of Grimshaw Lane, R Tinker Welding Engineers Ltd. of Middleton, Middleton Sheet Metal Co Ltd, Ainsley Signs, Baron’s Stationers and KMI+, they built the sleigh and the house.  

Stuart Sawle, President of the Rotary Club of Middleton said: “These businesses in our area should be applauded for their generous support of the Rotary Club.

"In addition, I would like to offer a special vote of thanks to Lee Wolf and Jim Kenyon from the Rotary Club of Middleton who went above and beyond to get the float back on the streets of Middleton this year. These Rotarians have done so much in organising and building the float from scratch; I just couldn’t let this opportunity pass without giving them a special mention.”

The Rotary Club of Middleton will now start their Father Christmas local fund raising appeal. 

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