A cow who doubles as a Christmas reindeer is delighting children during visits to schools in the Burnham-On-Sea area this week with Santa Claus’ wife – and the festive aninal is set to go on show at a local grotto.
Willow, a friendly Jersery cow from Poplar Farm in the village of Mark, delighted youngsters at Brent Knoll School this week, and will be the centre of attention with Santa at a grotto this coming weekend.
Owner Victoria Dimond explained: “Willow is a lovely, friendly cow who was unable to have calves, so rather than lose her from the farm, we decided to dress her up as a ‘cow-deer’ for Christmas.”
“I’ve been running the visits for several years now – the children all get to meet Willow and are able to stroke her while learning more about animals.”
“I also dress up our tractor with fairy lights. It started because a local school couldn’t get a Santa Claus and I suggested that I could help, and it went from there.”
“I made a special ‘sleigh’ for Willow to pull and we now have this amazing bond. She loves children – we make such an amazing team!”
“I can actually ride her just like you would ride a horse – she jumps and is able to pull a cart and is one amazing cow. I love her to bits!”
Victoria added: “Willow loves kids as she’s grown up with my three little ones – that’s how Willow has been came a ‘cow-deer’.”
Willow will be part of a Father Christmas grotto for charity this month where visitors can meet her for themselves.
The grotto, at Poplar Farm in Harp Road, Mark (TA9 4PF), will be held on December 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 18th from 3pm-7pm.
Tickets are £5 per family on the door with all proceeds going to WellChild, a charity that helps sick children.
The grotto features a number of themed scenes – including a real-life nativity scene with calves, jersey cows, a donkey cow, ewes and lambs plus llamas and a baby Jesus.
The second grotto scene is a North Pole featuring light-up penguins, polar bears and reindeers and a huge igloo.
The third grotto scene is Mr and Mrs Claus’ house with huge Christmas trees and lots of decorations and lights with a real fireplace and huge red santa chair where children can meet Father Christmas and get a present.
Hot drinks and food will be available to buy along with a raffle, tombola and games.
