Heritage Santa Cruise 2023: Photo Gallery

After Heretics, the Heritage Santa Cruise is our longest-running community event, with 2023 marking the 13th year we have completed a fancy dress drive for charity. As is so often the case with the UK weather in December, it tried its best to stop us, but we wouldn't be beaten... 

Despite it being rainy season on the South Coast, over 25 VWs, Porsche and Land Rovers descended upon Heritage HQ suitably dressed for the occasion, and full of festive cheer. With the drivers each donating £20 in return for a pair of Santa suits, it wasn't long before the yard was a sea of red and white felt, juxtaposed perfectly with tinsel, presents and fairy lights on the cars. 

The weather may have minimised the number of parcels wrapped in paper (and kept our Single Cab indoors) but there was still tinsel, lights and Christmas trees to be seen... And a poor flat Santa who got dragged behind a Golf Cabriolet all the way there!! 

All bar two of our previous Santa Cruises have ended up at the wonderful Children's Trust, at Tadworth Court, and this year was no different. It is always nice to see our friends there, and they now consider our visits to be the start of their Christmas celebrations!

The Children's Trust specializes in providing children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live their best life possible, providing specialist rehabilitation, education, and community services across the UK. 

We got lucky, and almost upon arrival the rain stopped, and the children and their carers were able to come outside and check out the cars, and meet all the Santas who had come to visit them. One young lad even got behind the wheel of a Porsche 911, and had much fun beeping the horn over and over! 

A second photo with the children and staff at The Children's Trust marks the end of our trip for another year. We're pleased to say we raised just over £500 this year, which will be donated to be used on activity and leisure equipment at Tadworth Court. 

An extra special mention to the guys who brought along a cheque of their own for £800 to donate to the cause too... Amazing work! 

Our thanks once again to Keren and her team for putting up with our seasonal silliness and allowing us to visit. To all the staff, the children and the volunteers who plied us with hot drinks and mince pies. It was a pleasure, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

The final word should be a thanks to Steph... She has been the face and drive behind our social media for the past 4 years and our expert events organiser. However, The Santa Cruise was her last event working with Heritage, before starting a new job in January. We're all gonna miss her, but we wish Steph the very best of luck for things in the future.

Andy