Dennis Erdwin who played Father Christmas at our annual MEOTRA Carols in the Square for many years recently passed away.
As an enthusiastic amateur actor, especially in the local Players of St Peter’s mediaeval mystery plays, he was invited by Margaret Winniak to come by public transport from Gidea Park and would don the red robes at her home. She recalls that we were able to boast that our MEOTRA Santa’s long white beard was a real one and how magical it was for her, as his trusty Elf, to watch him engage in conversation with each and every child who had patiently lined up to receive their gifts. As a widower without children of his own, he was an active lifelong supporter of the National Children’s Home, now Action for Children, where he had himself been fostered with his brothers and sister after the death of his mother. He spent several holidays helping at a linked Children’s Home in Armenia.
He was a passionate enthusiast of Country dancing…what an opportunity we missed for a Dancing Father Christmas!
Below are some photos of Dennis performing with the Players of St Peters
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