Christmas Cheer

I think we all needed cheering up at the end of last year, but the restrictions put in place made things CHRISTMAS

very di� cult. However, there were some ingenious

CHEER solutions to the problems presented, here’s one from Alison and Diamond Trikes in Northern Ireland;

Christmas 2020 was very diff erent to what we were all used to. In fact, 2020

was very diff erent altogether!

Long-time supporters of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability and GOLD Affi liated Business, Diamond Trikes from Portadown, Northern Ireland were determined to spread a little Christmas cheer.

A few years ago, they had built a Santa Sleigh to use for the local community groups and to put a smile on the faces of all the local children, both young and old.

This year, unfortunately, some of the bookings had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place. Luckily however, there were two local organisations who were able to come up with

some measures that complied with the rules, and maintain everyone’s safety. Corcrain Redmanville Community Partnership and Loughgall District and Improvement Association both managed to come up with a solution that allowed Diamond Trikes to bring Santa to town!

Luckily on the day the weather was dry, but very chilly. The sleigh was hooked up to a trike and Mr and Mrs Claus (Mr & Mrs Robert Bothwell) boarded their sleigh ready to spread the joy and love. With Derek Winter (of Diamond Trikes) doing the chauffeuring they set out to Corcrain to meet up with their helper Elf (Campbell Best), Santa and his helpers then visited all around the gardens, handing out joy and presents. In Loughgall they had arranged for the families to do a drive by (are you sure that’s Christmassy? – Vic), and Santa handed out presents on his silver shovel to all the kids (and probably the adults as well).

Both were great festive evenings and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.

To top it off a donation of £100 was made to the National Association for Bikers with a Disability.

Further information on Diamond Trikes can be found here: www.diamondtrikes.co.uk

There have been some amazing and ingenious solutions found to bring us some joy and fun during this pandemic. It has been a great showcase for the ‘never say die’ spirit.

One of the comments left on the Corcrain Redmanville Community Partnership proves that point:

‘It was fantastic to see families out together having fun and of course the children’s excitement made the whole event! Tonight has really sent the message home that ‘better days are ahead’.

Well done to everyone involved!

Vic