Santa Shaw is coming to town!

He could certainly give the real Santa Claus a run for his money – for when he isn’t carrying out duties in his official role as Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Member for Chesham – in the run up to Christmas, Councillor Mark Shaw likes nothing better than donning his Santa suit and spreading a little festive cheer around the county.

This year will see Mark attend more than 35eventsranging fromschool Christmas fayres and pensioners’ lunchesto other yuletide events in and around Chesham and other parts of the county.

Mark explains: “I’ve been doing it for about 4 or 5 years now, from when I was Mayor of Chesham and a local pub asked me to be their quiz master dressed as Santa. Now I am asked from the summer onwards by various groups to be their Santa at Christmas. From sitting in grottos handing out gifts to going out and about on the Rotary Club sleigh – it’s great fun!”

Some ofMark’s highlights this yearinclude:

• Joining a BCC/TfB choir singing Christmas carols and handing out information about preparing for winter
• Handing out gifts and chatting to customers at Barnardos in Chesham
• Reading Christmas stories to children at Chesham Library

Mark will even be taking time out of his own Christmas celebrations to attend a lunch for older people in Chesham on Christmas Day. He is also often asked to make personal visits to the homes of some very poorly children who are unable to attend any other seasonal events, at the request of their parents or carers, something he is more than happy to do: “Christmas is such a fun and happy time and I love being part of the excitement and build up. I think it’s important that everyone gets to experience the magic of Christmas, whatever your age or circumstances and this is my way of doingmy bit to help that happen.” he said.