CA Duquemin builds sleigh for the Winter Wonderland
SANTA will be travelling to tomorrow’s Winter Wonderland in style on a brand new sleigh, built by craftsmen at CA Duquemin.
The work on the new sleigh was originally a restoration project, but after a while, the team at the builders, who did all their work out of normal hours, could not salvage the old structure. It took them five weeks to complete.
‘Unfortunately we took more and more things away, but it was too far gone,’ said operations director Darren du Jardin.
The company is celebrating its centenary in 2024 and looking to complete a few community projects to mark that anniversary over the next few months.
The sleigh project was coordinated with help from other local firms, including Norman Piette, with materials to build the sleigh, nativity scene and wooden signposts, Island Waste, to dispose of the old sleigh, Island Electrics, who provided new lights, and Graham Scott, which donated new leather saddles.
CA Duquemin will be holding on to the sleigh, storing it for the rest of the year to make sure it stays in its best condition.
‘It was all done in-house and was good fun. It’s a nice charitable thing to do,’ said apprentice carpenter and joiner Clement Le Pelley.
The Winter Wonderland, which is marking its 26th year, takes place tomorrow at Les Ruettes Cottage, Les Issues, St Saviour’s.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, £7 for an adult and £3 for children aged 3-12.
The event runs from 6-8.30 and parking and a free shuttle bus service is available from Le Rondin School and the nearby car park of event sponsor Specsavers.
The event itself aims to raise funds for both the Lions Club and Autism Guernsey, with more than 3,000 people expected to attend.
