Badge Club Grotto

The Ride Card – Nov/Dec 2025

A quick snapshot before we set off.

What it was: Badge Club Grotto Fundraiser & Beneficiary Event
Where / how: Kirk Hammerton Cafe
Who it was for: Children, families, and very friendly furbabies
My role: Organiser/Front of House Elf
The fine print: Santa had a passing resemblance to Rob. All photos and activities were designed with care for the kids’ experience.

Why This Ride Existed

A Grotto seemed like a great way to raise funds for Badge Club, bring a few families together, and have some festive fun. Also, it gave us a chance to learn how to run an event of this scale before committing to bigger weekends nearer Christmas.

What Actually Happened

Santa greeted 10 children, many adults, and some very friendly furbabies. We had 60 slots available but only a quarter were booked, so the event just about covered its costs.

The feedback from families was lovely, and we had a lot of fun hanging out at the Kirk Hammerton Cafe, who kindly hosted us.

We also got to see Kevin Sinfield run past dressed as Santa and Elf—unexpected entertainment bonus!

We learned a lot about staging a room, editing and sending photos quickly, and making sure children and families have a great experience. A work experience student joined us too, though the days he was there were a little quiet.

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Money Stuff (Because It Matters)

Income generated (after costs): ~£10
Model: Charity / Fundraiser
Notes: Tickets for families, photos provided, very low-pressure environment

Even though it barely covered costs, the fun and learning were worth far more.

Impact

Families had a great time together
Children left smiling (and maybe a little sugar-fuelled)
Work experience student got some hands-on exposure
Community engagement: we made connections with Kirk Hammerton Cafe, and strengthened Badge Club visibility

Highs & Lows

Highs

Watching the kids’ reactions to Santa
Hanging out with families and furbabies
Unexpected entertainment from a passing Santa/Elf runner

Lows

Low booking numbers
Quiet days for the work experience student

What I Learned on This Ride

Even a small-scale event teaches a lot: how to stage a room, how to manage photos, and how to keep families happy.

Next time, I’ll schedule just one weekend closer to Christmas, maybe with a “warm-up” weekend for social media photos.

Small events are still full of lessons, and the smiles make every bit of effort worthwhile.

Next Time, I’d…

Change: Only do one weekend closer to Christmas
Repeat: Careful attention to family experience
Prepare differently: Plan social media warm-up shots in advance

Final Thoughts from the Saddle

This was a tiny fundraiser, but it reminded me that even small events can create joy and community.

The kids loved it. The adults had fun. And we all got to learn, laugh, and maybe wave at a running Santa and Elf along the way.

Small in scale, big in smiles. That’s what counts.