Saintfield Santa Ride Launched in Style

News Desk | November 19, 2014

Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday, Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser) Caroline McMillan, Santa, Suzanne Hill and Ashleigh Kirkpatrick. Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride was launched in style at Rowallane Garden Saintfield on Thursday 13th.Nov. and was kindly hosted by the National Trust. Taking on a Dowton Abbey theme guests were greeted on arrival by the Butler (Seamus Rodgers), the House Maid (Loraine Johnston) and the House Keeper (Vi Patterson) It was attended by Sponsors, friends and the media. Ride Organiser Joan Cunningham welcomed everyone and thanked them all for their much valued and continued support. Alastair McIlveen and Simon Beckett from North Down Marquees both attended as did the three Directors of NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch Michela Preston, Jason Barr and Keith Emerson. Freda Murphy Saintfield Livestock Mart. also attended. Down District Council was represented by councillor Robert Burgess and Councillor Dermott Curran.

This years ride takes place on Saturday 6th.December from Saintfield Livestock Mart.by kind permission of Mr.Brian and Geoffrey Murphy. The day begins with everyone arriving at the Mart.at 11.00am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception in the Marquee. There will be lots of prizes for the best turned out Santas and every child under the age of 12 who takes part in the ride will receive an award. Prizes will be presented during Lunch.

Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. From left:— Loraine Johnston (House maid), Freda Murphy (Saintfield Livestock Mart.Hosts of The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride) Keith Emerson (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Seamus Rodgers (Butler), Valerie McBride (McBride Fashions) Vi Patterson (House Keeper), Jason Barr (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch), Leo Casement (Equestrian Artist), Michaela Preston (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

At 12.00 noon the ride which is strictly a hack so should suit all riders moves out and makes it’s way to Saintfield Town. At 1.00pm Saintfield Main Street will be swarming with Santas led by the “Real Santa” and his celebrity guests in a magnificent Horse Drawn Carriage. This spectacular sight is not to be missed. Well wishers coming to see the Ride will be entertained by Live Christmas Music from the famous Panache and plenty of craic from comedian Terence McKeag. Santa and his guests will alight from his carriage at the Christmas Tree to meet and greet everyone before making his way back to the Marquee at the Mart. to enjoy lunch and more live Christmas music and entertainment.

Entrance to the marquee is free and anyone wishing to have lunch can do so for a donation of £5 children under 12 free. The cost of the ride is £20 for adults and £10 for children. This includes the Mulled Wine Reception and Lunch. Why not get yourself Sponsored? Sponsorship forms can be down loaded from the websitewww.saintfieldhorseshow.com/saintfieldchristmascharityride Further detail contact Joan Cunningham 02897 519030 or 07775860744 email joancunningham1@gmail.com

: Pictured at The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. Freda Murphy (Saintfield Livestock Mart. Hosts of The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride) with Councillor Robert Burgess and Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser). Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

: Pictured at The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. Councillor Robert Burgess, Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser), Santa, Derek Spencer and Philip Houston (Get Noticed Signs). Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

: Pictured at The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. Alastair McIlveen (North Down Marquees), Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser) and Robert McCarthy. Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

: Pictured at The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. Seated Robert McCarthy and Ride Organiser Joan Cunningham. 1st row Caroline McMillan, Ashleigh Kirkpatrick, Leo Casement and Suzanne Hill .Back row Alastair McIlveen (North Down Marquees), Bree Rutledge, Michael Drake, Simon Beckett(North Down Marquees) and Councillor Robert Burgess. Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

: Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. From left:— Loraine Johnston (House maid), Freda Murphy (Saintfield Livestock Mart.Hosts of The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride) Keith Emerson (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Seamus Rodgers (Butler), Valerie McBride (McBride Fashions) Vi Patterson (House Keeper), Jason Barr (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch), Leo Casement (Equestrian Artist), Michaela Preston (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

: Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday, Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser) Caroline McMillan, Santa, Suzanne Hill and Ashleigh Kirkpatrick. Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI