On Friday 29th November Father Christmas glided into the Church Walk Shopping Centre in Caterham Valley with his elf driven sledge and Christmas cheer during the annual switching on of the centre's Christmas lights. 

As with the centre tradition, the first countdown was not nearly loud enough and the lights illuminated the crowds on their second and much louder attempt.  Children then had the opportunity to have their photographs taken with Father Christmas in his sledge and he left with a list of who had been good throughout the year.

On Sunday 1st December Santa went along to the Whyteleafe Tavern to assist landlord Tom Dempsey with the switching on of the lights on the Christmas tree outside the pub.  The event was preceded by a lantern procession from St. Luke's Church to the Tavern and plenty of merriment and carol singing.  During the afternoon cheques were presented to charities for the monies raised at the Picnic in the Park event then everyone enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and hot dogs.