A ten-year-old pupil from Trent Young’s Endowed CE VA School near Sherborne has won a 6ft Nordman Fir Christmas tree for his school by suggesting the winning names for the two new Bailey Ridge reindeer.
Sam Hutchinson was one of over 110 pupils from 13 local schools that entered the competition. His proposed names, Flash and Lightning, were selected by owner Alan Dodge, who felt they suited his reindeer perfectly.
Alan said, “We chose the names because they seem to portray the two reindeer’s individual characters very well. Flash is very flash – he is confident and is always leader of the gang when visitors arrive to say hello, especially if they have any special treats of moss or lichen for him. Lightning is a little more reserved but very fast when he needs to be – when Santa called that snowy day a few weeks ago, he was the first to offer to pull his sleigh!”
Sam visited Bailey Ridge this week with four of his classmates to meet the reindeer and officially give them their new names. He explained that he had chosen the names because they both meant ‘fast’ and Santa has to go very fast to deliver all the presents in one night.
The impressive Christmas tree was delivered to the school on 3rd December by Alan Dodge from Bailey Ridge. Sam’s teacher Katherine Green said, “The whole of Trent School are delighted that Bailey Ridge has provided a Christmas tree for us, which stands proud in our entrance hall. The children are bringing in decorations for the tree and they would love to see the reindeer again.”
If you would like to meet the reindeer, Bailey Ridge is open every day from 9am to 5.30pm, with feeding time at 10am and 3.30pm. While you’re there you can choose your perfect Christmas tree, stock up on festive decorations and gifts at the Christmas Cabin, and even pick your own Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. More information and directions can be found at www.BaileyRidgeChristmasTrees.