Press Office
Letter earns Abbi early Christmas treat
Little Abbi Hardcastle’s Christmas letter impressed Santa Claus so much that he invited her to a VIP day out at his grotto at the National Railway Museum (NRM).
The six-year-old, from Howden, won the museum’s best letter to Santa competition and she enjoyed a special visit to see Santa in his grotto at the NRM ahead of his star appearance at the festive Old Time Christmas event. The family were then treated to a ride on the Yorkshire Wheel and a delicious lunch at the museum’s Brief Encounter restaurant.
Her favourite carol “Away in a Manger” was also played by The York Railway Institute Brass Band, who entertained the crowds with traditional Christmas songs throughout the afternoon.
Abbi, who is hoping Santa will deliver a popcorn machine to her home on Christmas morning so she can save her mum money by making her own movie snacks, deserved her special treat because she promised to be good “all the time.”
Catherine Farrell, press officer at the NRM said:
“Santa chose the winning letter himself and Abbi’s stood out because she told him why she particularly wanted to meet him at the National Railway Museum, as well as her more unusual present request!”
“We hope her VIP visit to Santa makes this Christmas an extra special one for Abbi and her family.”
Santa’s Post Box near the museum’s Yorkshire Wheel was bursting at the seams with letters as a result of the competition.
A quick read through the messages reveals what crafty local children are asking Santa to deliver on December 25. The more imaginative requests include a magical money making machine and a lifetime’s supply of sweets!
Interactive toys are definitely top of the shops this Christmas, with the most popular gift for girls this year being Zapfs’ newest Baby Annabell doll (RRP £39.99), The latest version of this sophisticated baby doll turns its head to the left or the right depending on where the owner’s voice is coming from.
Thanks to technology a puppy can be just for Christmas and not for life, as Mattel’s Puppy Grows and Knows Your Name is a popular choice for younger children of both sexes. This toy puppy responds to attention from its owner by growing from a puppy into a dog in just four days.
TV and films have also had a strong impact on children’s choices. Hasbro’s Transformers Movie Leader: Optimus Prime toy features heavily in the boys’ letters thanks to the success of this summer’s box-office hit. Doctor Who also makes a strong appearance on the lists, with the Dalek voice-changer mask a must-have item. With the younger boys, Roary the Remote Controlled Car from the popular Channel 5 show is also racing ahead in the popularity stakes.
Festive fun is still to come at the NRM with special yuletide performances from York Rising Stars and the Platform 4 theatre group in the run up to Christmas.
26 November 2007