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BEHIND THE SCENES
In another of our glimpses Behind the Scenes, Ross Parsons goes into the grotto to speak to the man in the white beard.
So just how many Santas are there? Lewis‘s on Argyle Street, alone. has three of them. Or at least they did until last week. when one ofthem retired on health grounds (there was an escape Claus in his contract). Perhaps just as well. they wouldn‘t want Santa conking out on a kid —
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‘Oh no, Ah’ve killed Santa! I knew I should have asked for something cheaperf
The care with which Lewis‘s were scrutinising the CVs and in-character photos ofwould-be Santas, reflects the standard now expected of Father Christmases. Gone are the days
DAVID HARROLD
when a portly physique and a red nose were the only prerequisites to a place in the grotto. Thus. in the (Christmas) present. the number of Santas getting the sack has declined. Department stores no longer fill their grottos from an agency supply ofold men. who were often given
The List 8 — 2] December 1989 77