Santa’s Flight School has officially launched with nine-year-old author Betsy Griffin cutting the ribbon.

On Friday, December 2, atria Watford unveiled its Christmas extravaganza for children who want to train with Santa and his trusted elves and take a reindeer puppet off the ground and into the air.

Betsy Griffin, from Chorleywood, who was left blind from an inoperable brain tumour was invited to the event to experience the Christmas activity first hand.

Read More

Earlier this year, Betsy released a book called Out of the Woods, featuring powerful lessons about positivity, kindness and hope. 

Atria Watford’s marketing manager Niamh Crowley said: “We were so moved by Betsy’s story of bravery and overcoming such extraordinary challenges, that we wanted to reach out to her and make her our very special guest for the day.”

Out of the Woods tells the story of a little girl who gets lost and befriends a dog.

As companions, they find their way and are reunited with her family, but not before encountering a host of animals, all of whom have positive lessons to share.

Watford Observer: Betsy signed copies of her book Out of the Woods. Betsy signed copies of her book Out of the Woods. (Image: Atria Watford)

Atria Watford purchased more than a dozen copies of Out of the Woods, which have been signed by Betsy and will be donated to local schools and organisations. 

Stuart Griffin, Betsy’s father said: “Betsy was honoured to open this wonderful attraction to help spread festive cheer, fun and positivity, just like she is with her book.”

From Saturday, December 3 to Friday, December 23, Santa’s Flight School will be open for children to interact and bring to life a beautifully crafted, larger-than-life handmade reindeer marionette.

Watford Observer: Father Christmas and his elves will help children to fly the reindeer puppet. Father Christmas and his elves will help children to fly the reindeer puppet. (Image: Atria Watford)

Lessons are directed by Santa himself along with his trusted Sky Flight Elves.

When qualified, all junior flight cadets will use their knowledge and magic to guide the stunning reindeer puppet off the ground and into the air.

But the magic doesn’t end there.

Children will leave with a certificate, sealed with the Sky Flight Salute, as well as reindeer food to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve.

To book your free ticket, visit https://atriawatford.com/news/santas-flight-school. 

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.