A few weeks before Christmas, during the very coldest part of the festive season, Melbourne Rugby club peered into the Grotto (slightly leaky old shipping container) and unwrapped the sleigh, fired up the lights and dusted off the Slade LPs (Oh all right, downloaded, trying to create an atmosphere!)
It was time to run out the sleigh and bring some much-needed Christmas spirit to the town again.
After commandeering a tiny tractor or two and liberally festooning them with LEDs we decided on a route. We also conscripted some of the Junior section of the club, a talented but altogether monosyllabic and grumbly group of teenagers to assist in the task.
The first night was the most important, Melbourne’s world-famous late night shopping event with Santa, his luxuriant beard, and our sleigh taking centre stage. Assisted by members of the Melbourne Minxes girls squad (several of which have been recruited to the county setup, well done girls!) Santa gave out presents to the local toddlers and pecks for the mothers perched upon his knee. A wonderful turnout again at the event, and most of the kids didn't even cry this time.

The next night and for quite a few nights after that, just as the mercury dipped well below freezing, the sleigh embarked upon its journey, with music playing and the tiny tractors in no way holding people in cars up trying to get home. We covered every street in Melbourne, Ticknall and for the first time parts of Chellaston. With eager volunteers from all age groups and even some senior players (who may have been promised a trip to the pub/s) we knocked on doors, visited various local establishments, and generally saw smiles and Christmas spirit rise as we traversed the villages handing out, and in no way exaggerated several tons of Haribos and Swizzels. As always the smiles of the children and generosity of the people make it all worth it. But not only that, as this time, of all times, the most financially and politically unstable period in my lifetime and I remember the miners strikes!
We raised a new record amount, in little over a week we raised over £3,500.
The funds are being split between Melbourne junior and infant Schools, Melbourne community care and First4Food food bank.

Onto the new year, the second half of the season, we hope to see a few more of you to come and watch a live game of real rugby, played by actual good players, for free on your doorstep. Beer from the MSP is optional but highly recommended. There is a game on most Saturday afternoons or even come and play, whatever age from 6 -60 we can find a place for you.
Any juniors or minis are more than welcome on Sundays, boys and girls and still the only team sport that boys and girls can play together.