A festive first for Barry Santa Sleigh as it visits Beechwood College for first time in 50 years

Santa is set to put smiles on Beechwood College students’ faces this December, as the historic Barry Santa Sleigh alters its route to visit the Sully students for the first time in its 50-year history.

The visit to Beechwood College on Hayes Road is part of an increased programme of events and routes planned by Barry Round Table to celebrate 50 years of the Barry Sleigh Ride.

Beechwood College will also be one of a group of local sponsors supporting Barry Round Table as they continue their proud history of local fundraising.

First run in 1972, the festive sleigh visit has become an annual Christmas highlight for the children of Barry. This year, to celebrate their milestone anniversary, the Barry Round Table will be arranging special events and appearances for the community to take part in.

Barrie Dyer, Chairman, Barry Round Table said, “This year we are celebrating 50 years of bringing Christmas joy to families across the town. In that time, we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

“This is our biggest year yet and we’re thrilled to welcome Beechwood College back as a sponsor. They play an active role in our community, and we’re thrilled that this year, for the first time, we’ll be visiting the college, helping spread festive cheer even further.”

Rachel Newman, Principal at South Wales-based Beechwood College said: “The Barry Santa Sleigh has been a fixture of Barry’s Christmas calendar for five decades and we’re proud to play even a small part in their ongoing fundraising.

“Our students are so excited to welcome the sleigh to the college this Christmas. Many of our students are huge Santa fans, but not all of them can easily make it to see him on the usual routes. Santa coming to the college will create great excitement.”

The roundtable will run 18 routes around Barry, including:

•               Barry Island

•               Barry Road

•               Buttrills

•               Cadoxton

•               Colcot

•               Coldbrook Palmston

•               Cwm Talwg

•               The Knap Garden Suburbs

•               Gibbonsdown

•               High Street

•               Holton Road 1 (Newland Street to Barry Road)

•               Holton Road 2 (Cadoxton to Court Road Surgery)

•               Holton Road 3 (Street Between Holton Road & Dock View Road)

•               Park Crescent

•               Pencoedtre

•               Waterfront 1 (Morrisons & old estate)

•               Waterfront 2 (Asda & new estate)

More information about the Barry Santa Sleigh and special anniversary events can be found on their website https://barryroundtable.co.uk/ and Facebook page.

Beechwood College offers education to young adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, tailoring their provision to match each individual’s complex needs. The college has both day and residential students and provides each student with a learning environment tailored to their specific needs.

More information about Beechwood College, as well as the career opportunities available for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on other people’s lives, is available on their website www.beechwoodcollege.co.uk