Kingston Round Table is your local branch of Round Table, an international social organisation of ordinary guys aged between 18 and 45 years who meet up every other Thursday night to do some random activity then go for a drink and catch-up afterwards.

But it also likes to support the local community and have fun whilst doing so. For example, the branch holds an annual Santa's Sleigh Christmas Charity collection.

Last year, the branch raised £2,500 for local causes, but as Santa was in need of a new suit this Christmas, the branch hosted a charity comedy night in The Willoughby Arms in Kingston on Saturday (8 November).

In recent years Kingston Round Table had sadly been in decline and eighteen months ago had only 2 members, meaning it was unable to hold its Santa's Sleigh Christmas charity collection in 2023.

However, after a successful recruitment campaign, it is now up to 11 members - meaning it can be more ambitious - and the sleigh event was able to be reinstated in 2024 as a result.

Kingston Round Table's Chairman, Lee Williamson, said: "Thanks to Sion James for hosting and Rick for letting us use the venue. We were able to raise some much needed funds to help Santa buy a new suit and make some much needed repairs to his sleigh. Thanks to everyone who came."

Santa's sleigh was out and about in Kingston for four evenings last December, collecting money for charities and spreading festive cheer.

The sleigh was kindly towed by Maypole Motors with one of Kingston Round Table's lads having the opportunity to dress up as Santa and give out sweets.

Meanwhile, Santa's little helpers were around to raise money and awareness of the branches' worthy charities with all funds going to SPEAR, Momentum, Good Gym and Anthony Nolan.

This year, Kingston Round Table plans to do four nights again between Monday 1 and Thursday 4 December.

Williamson said: "We had volunteers from each organisation to help us collect and get around the routes while spreading some Christmas spirit. So, if anyone wants to get involved just message us on Facebook or Kingston-upon-Thames Round Table

"We raised £2,500 across the four nights - a fantastic team effort - and thanks to all the generous people of Kingston. Last year we had a QR code for people who preferred to go cashless to take them to our Just Giving page - if people want to donate, the link is: KINGSTON 19 ROUND TABLE - JustGiving."

Round Table is the largest young men's organisation in the world with nearly 300 clubs in

the UK alone and over 3,200 members.

Kingston was the 19th Round Table chartered so is one of the oldest active Tables. It celebrated its 95th charter (or birthday) this year and raised £350 for cancer charity Anthony Nolan that night.

To stay up to date with Santa and his routes, Kingston Round Table advertises the dates and routes of the sleigh ride on its Facebook page.

It  also shares a Santa Tracker link so you could go out and find Santa.

Williamson added: "So do give our Kingston Round Table Facebook page a follow to stay up to date when the sleigh returns in the first week of December: Facebook.

"But before then….if you are or know someone who is male, aged 18 to 45 and who is bored midweek and wants to get out of the house every other Thursday night to try something new, make new friends and go for a beer afterwards then get in touch.

"We believe with men's mental health being so important, it is vital for men to have opportunities like this where they can support one another and socialise.

"We have had a brilliant year seeing our numbers grow and have done some fantastic socials such as Kingstonain FC match, Oktoberfest at Steins, Laser Quest, Extreme Ironing, Kayaking and much more.

"Next year after the Christmas break our plans include a Board Game Night, Comedy Night, Urban Fun, Axe Throwing and much more. Just drop us a message on Facebook @Kingston Round Table No.19 or email us at [email protected]."