BIG-HEARTED Round Tablers have been left stunned after thieves stole the generator that powers the lights and music on their fundraising Santa sleigh.
The sleigh had been due to be used next Friday, December 6 at St Nicholas Night in Alcester to convey the Boy Bishop, and to provide fun and entertainment for the revellers.
The following day, December 7, sees the start of the Tablers’ fundraising drive around local towns and villages in the area.
Every Christmas the team from Alcester & Stratford District Round Table use the sleigh to visit Alcester, Studley, Welford and Bidford raising money for local good causes.
“We use it for other events like our beer festival too and it’s a blow as all the money we raise goes back into the local community,” said Paul Jackson from the Tablers.
The generator had been removed to be serviced by one of their members so it would be ready for the Christmas run.
However thieves raided the house and stole the vital piece of kit from an outbuilding.
Paul said the generator had been second hand and they had been looking to replace it in four or five years time as a new one would cost over £1,000.
“We’ve got Plan A which is to find someone who can donate one to us or give us a really good price on a new one, or Plan B is to buy a new, silent generator, but you’re looking at just over £1,000.
“The one we’d been looking at is a Honda EU22I which is also more compact and could fit easily into the sleigh.”
Anyone who can help recover the original generator or who can help provide a new or second hand replacement to power the Christmas jingles and lights on the Tablers’ sleigh can ring Paul on 07748 151391.
Donations can also be made to www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3234270
