UP to 600 Dumfries youngsters will get to enjoy a wide range of Christmas themed workshops – all for free – at a special Santa’s Grotto event next week.
‘A Patch Ae Land’ Community Garden on Sunderries Road, Sandside, is hosting the event on Wednesday and Thursday evening, December 18 and 19.
There will be face painting, a Christmas decor workshop, biscuit decorating, an opportunity to meet Santa and more.
Thomas Tate has been involved with the voluntary organisation for the last three months.
He said: “It’s all been made possible donations by the members and local businesses. Cosmic Competitions have donated 500 selection boxes.
“In total we are hoping to cater for 600 kids. At the moment we have got 400 booked in.
“There will be six different Santa workshops and Christmas games.
“We are also giving every adult who attends a free raffle ticket. Prizes will include food hampers and vouchers.”
The event runs from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm on both nights, spaces can book by messaging ‘A Patch Ae Land’ on Facebook.
Paul McGregor started up the garden nine years ago after he met with members of the community. They agreed there was a need for a space to come together in the area as Sandside lacked a community centre.
Thomas said: “They realised there was a bit of waste land. So, they went to the council to see if they could lease the land, and they got a lease for £1 a year. They then got some funding to tidy it up a bit.”
He added: “Covid hit and the garden closed for two years. After that the garden lost a lot of volunteers and committee members.
“Over the last six months we have rebuilt the committee. We are now open five days a week and welcome members of the public.
“The new committee will be officially in place by the end of January. Then we will also be a registered SCIO charity.
“Anyone from Dumfries is welcome. We are open to bringing new groups in, or you can join the volunteers looking after the garden.”
Email [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.
