It’s Christmas! — Dinnington kids celebrate early at the Carlton Park

CHRISTMAS came early for 30 happy kids when they ended the summer term with a festive treat.
Year 6 pupil Megan Hallam with Carlton Park Hotel head chef, Paul Spruce.Year 6 pupil Megan Hallam with Carlton Park Hotel head chef, Paul Spruce.
Year 6 pupil Megan Hallam with Carlton Park Hotel head chef, Paul Spruce.

Pupils from Dinnington Primary School were invited to join in the Carlton Park Hotel’s Summer Santa Week — a special week of festivities in aid of Rotherham Hospice.

They were given tuition or how to make the perfect Christmas pudding by head chef Paul Spruce and his team, who taught the pupils how to weigh and mix the ingredients. 

After being cooked in the ovens at Carlton Park, the puddings will be stored away to allow the flavours to mature before being unveiled in November, when the festive treats will be decorated by the children ready for sale in aid of the hospice.

Visitors to the hotel this month are being treated to complimentary yuletide nibbles and are being asked to pledge a 'Pound on the Pillow' to support the the hospice. 

A Summer Santa, complete with red coat and Bermuda shorts has also taken to the streets of Rotherham as part of the festivities. 

Jason Gossop, sales manager for the Carlton Park, said: “At this time of year many people assume Santa is taking a well-earned rest from his busy Christmas schedule, but for the past few years he's decided to spend his holidays spreading goodwill across Rotherham. 

“This year, we chose to use our Summer Santa week to support the work of Rotherham Hospice. 

“In the hotel industry, the Christmas period is one of our busiest times of the year and we felt our staff often missed out on the fun and the celebrations of the festive period.

“It’s an idea which has captured the imagination of staff members and guests who are hoping to raise as much money as possible.”

Chef Paul said: “The school children were enthusiastic and well behaved; I certainly got the feeling that there were a few budding chefs in the room.” 

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