SARAH Shelley was full of smiles as she shared her secrets with Santa.

The 10-year-old was one of many visitors when he took his place in his grotto at Carterton town hall in 1984.

At one stage, there was such a rush to see him that he had to call feeding time for his reindeer just to catch his breath.

Money raised during the day went to cancer research.

Meanwhile, Santa let the train take the strain, travelling the branch line between Wallingford and Cholsey, snug in his on-board grotto, below.

Oxford Mail:

He handed presents to young passengers, while mums and dads tucked into mince pies. The Santa Specials in 1989 attracted large crowds on two weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

Among the visitors were Debbie Novell, five, and David King, three, pictured with Santa.

Memory Lane this week


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