Festive tribute planned after death of much-loved 'Santa Claus' in Wainfleet

Since the 1980s, Walter 'Wally' Ernest Parnham has regularly donned his red suit and white beard to attend events in the Wainfleet area.

In spite of suffering a heart attack a few years ago, the 79-year-old great-grandfather still managed to attend a couple of events last year and never stopped loving Christmas.

His health began to fail after suffering another small heart attack about a month ago, for which he was receiving treatment in Boston Pilgrim Hospital.

Unfortunately, he also contracted Covid-19 and passed away on Saturday, November 14.

Wally's son Carl, 55, who also lives in Wainfleet, says he has been overwhelmed by the number of tributes that have been paid to his father on social media and the personal messages he has received.

A drummer with the Wainfleet Theatre Club, Wally took over the role of Santa in the 1980s and was the first one to be at the grotto in Coronation Hall and every year rode the sleigh through the town.

Carl said: “Dad loved Christmas and was the first to decorate his house even before it was fashionable.

"One year he had 50 appointments as Santa and although he didn't attend so many events in recent years because of his health, he was still Santa for the The Magdalen Church of England / Methodist Primary School.

"I have received a lovely card from pupils and staff saying they will miss him this year.

"Dad loved being Santa and spent quite a lot of money doing it. But he just liked to see people smile."

Among the tributes was one from Wainfleet Theatre Club, where he was a member for many years.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wally Parnham." it reads.

“Wally was an active member of the club for more than four decades and was an ever present member of our team throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s and into the noughties.

“Although never seen on the stage, his enthusiastic drumming ensured his presence was well known and much loved by our audiences.

“However, it was his hard work and dedication behind the scenes that made him such an invaluable club member.

“Before the advent of more strict Health and Safety legislation, Wainfleet Theatre Club regularly performed at a variety of different venues and it was always Wally who towed our purpose built trailer full of props, scenery and costumes to those places.

“Although his declining health prevented him in recent years from participating in many of his favourite activities, Wally remained a popular and much loved man of the town. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Arrangements for the funeral are still being made, but the community already has plans to honour Wally in a way they are sure he would have loved.

Sarah Ringsell said they are hoping to get as many people as possible to line the streets socially distanced and dressed as Santa, Mrs Claus and elves, or wearing something Christmassy.

"I think Wally would of loved it and I think it’s a good way to honour his memory as he was Santa to most of us.

"Think of all the thousands of children he made happy plus all the mums, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc that also had their day made by seeing their little ones face when they saw Santa.

"He was a lovely man and he will always be Wainfleet's Santa."

Among the numerous comments, Amy Law said: "Me and the kids will be there - he was their 'first Santa' bless him."