Record-breaking year for Barnstaple Santa tour as thousands go to good causes

Organisers have praised the volunteers, groups and business that helped make Barnstaple Round Table Santa Sleigh 2025 a record breaking year, with almost £15,000 raised for local good causes.

The eagerly-awaited event sees Santa and his sleigh along with assorted festive characters tour almost every street in the town and surrounding communities in the run up to Christmas, assisted by volunteers from various charities and groups.

At a presentation evening in Barnstaple Rugby Club on Friday, January 9 a grand total of £14,693.88 was shared out among 16 worthy local community groups and charities.

Above: Barnstaple Round Table members and helpers at the presentation evening for the annual Santa Sleigh tour. Credit: Barnstaple RT

The cheques were presented by Mikey Jewell, current Barnstaple Round Table chairman and Ash Thorne, Santa Sleigh and charity co-ordinator.

Mikey said: “The charity groups and collectors really excelled throughout the Santa Sleigh season in what we have achieved and we would like to thank everyone who has taken part.

“Special thanks goes out to our sponsors, Tom Sandland and his team at Barnstaple Nissan for the loan of the e-power Nissan X-Trail, plus Amy Bellamy and Peter Vosper at County Garage Group for sponsoring the Santa juice for the vehicle and the sleigh generators.”

Ash added: “Thanks also go to Bruce Isaac, Ameila Barrow and Donna Randall from Storage Space in Barnstaple for letting us store the sleigh over the Christmas season and designing and printing the Christmas cards with QR codes.

“Plus Cavanna Homes and Loosemore Builders in Roundswell for long-term storage of the sleigh throughout the year, Hannah Alford at Alford Engineers and finally a special thanks to The Voice, Devon Live and the North Devon Gazette, who helped to promote the Santa routes across Barnstaple and the surrounding areas on the Breakfast Show, through their online platforms and papers.”

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A spokesperson from North Devon Hospice said: “We are delighted to support the Roundtable Santa's Sleigh event. A team of staff and volunteers soon forgot the chilly weather when they saw the children's reactions to seeing Santa.

“The wide-eyed waves and smiles will stick in our memories. Due to the amazing generosity of the public, we received a fantastic sum, which will support the families we serve through all the activities of the Hospice in North Devon.

“Thanks to all who donated and the incredible work and enthusiasm of the team at Barnstaple and District Roundtable.”

Above: Barnstaple Round Table Santa Sleigh sponsors Peter Vosper and Amy Bellamy from the County Garage Group, with the man himself. Credit: Barnstaple RT

Other charities helped this year include Children’s Hospice South West, Pete’s Dragons, It’s in the Bag, Saunton Surf Life Saving and ChemoHero, as well as other worthy causes that make a difference in their communities, such as Barnstaple Rugby Club, North Devon Hockey Club, Barnstaple and Pilton Cricket Club, Tarka Starlightz and North Devon Girl Guides.

Barnstaple Round Table would like to thank the residents and people of Barnstaple and surrounding areas for helping to make the event possible through their generosity.

Planning is already underway for Christmas 2026 when it is hoped the make the sleigh tour even better.

The presentation evening also saw North Devon and Torridge Stroke Association and Devon Air Ambulance presented with a cheque for £750 each following proceeds from the Barnstaple Roundtable Fireworks event at the Barnstaple Rugby Club in November.

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Organiser Aaron Jackson said: “We are so pleased to make our full charity donation for fireworks to the North Devon and Torridge Stroke Association and Devon Air Ambulance as last year our chairman Mikey suffered a severe stroke and was in hospital for a number of months.

“Luckily he has made a full recovery with the help and support from his family, friends and excellent medical help and care.”

Barnstaple Round Table has been running in the town for 75 years and is aimed at men aged between 18 and 45 who might be involved in services or trades and want to give something back to their community, as well as enjoy fun and fellowship.

Anyone interested in joining or finding out more is invited to email barnstapleroundtable271@gmail.com or visit the Barnstaple and District Roundtable Facebook page.