A Day in The Life of Santa

Coverzones talks to John Kohane - one of the UK's growing numbers of professional Santas - about the increasing number of legal regulations that surround Mr Claus.

WARNING: small children should not be allowed to read this article.

John Keohane is no stranger to dressing up. In fact, he looks spectacular in red. As holder of the illustrious post of Chief Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, it could be said that few would-be Santas come better qualified for the job.

But you won't find John ho-ho-hoing around a shopping centre or department store grotto. It was his passion for steam railways that led him to offer his services as Santa extraordinaire to what is one of the most charming ‘meet Father Christmas' experiences operating in the UK.

For nine days every Christmas, South Devon Railways runs a special Santa by Steam service on its lovingly cared for steam railway route from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, otherwise known as the North Pole.

A key member of the charitable trust, which manages the line and one of 30 dedicated volunteers who host and manage the Santa by Steam experience, John is looking forward to his 17th year in the starring role.

And while this is not the only steam railway that features a Mr Claus, as John explains, the Devon service is nonetheless unique.

"We are the only steam railway that features a grotto actually onboard the train. We converted what was the original 1930s luggage van into a grotto in the style of a little family cottage. Each child is invited to come in and meet Santa with their parents and they find me sat in my chair by the fireplace. This means that we are totally unaffected by the weather, the kids stay warm and dry throughout the experience, and it's all safe and comfortable. Parents enjoy their mulled wine and mince pies and the children get squash and, of course, their present."

To ensure that each of the 200 children who board the train for each service get to meet Santa, and can roam around safely, the train travels very slowly along the seven mile route to Totnes on the first leg of the memorable two-hour round trip.

And when it comes to performing for his eager public, it seems it's simply water off a Yeoman's back.

"Because of my day job, I'm not only used to getting dressed up but dealing with crowds of people who want to speak to me and have their photographs taken with me. I know what people expect, and as for playing Santa, I know what the kids want. And it also helps that I have the right build as well as personality for the job," he says.

"I'm a people man and even though it can be exhausting, particularly at the weekends when we operate three Santa by Steam trips per day, I just love it. I enjoy handing out the presents, having a good banter with the parents, and nothing beats seeing the look on the kids' faces when they see me for the first time."

Showmanship is clearly a key part of the job spec. Coping with overexcited, exuberant and sometimes overwhelmed little ones is another.

"Sometimes, of course, the kids can become a little too overexcited or can get a bit overwrought but I'm well-practiced in dealing with that not just through my job as Head Beefeater but from first-hand experience with my five grandchildren".

Even Santa has to make sure that he's got all his paperwork in order. Of course, small business insurance, professional indemnity insurance and public liability cover are all very important. However, while John appreciates that the security checks required of a modern-day Santa are a necessary part of the job, he feels that fears about child safety in what should be nothing but the benign hands of Father Christmas have been taken a little too far.

"Anyone who deals directly with children has to undergo police security checks before they can start work and that's as it should be. I and my helpers all have to go through this vetting process which clears us to work for three years. However, it does upset me when I read in the press that kids shouldn't be allowed to sit on Santa's knee.

"I'm just trying to recreate the kind of Christmas I grew up with. The children always come and meet Santa and his helpers with their parents and are supervised at all times. It's a really safe environment."

And as for those much anticipated pressies, Santa by Steam also goes the extra mile. At the point of booking, parents register the age and gender of their children and the team then buys gender and age specific toys for each child.

• If you're applying for a job or voluntary position that involves working with young people or vulnerable adults then you could be asked to apply for a CRB check. A full list of the professions, offices, employments, work and occupations that can be CRB checked can be found at http://www.crb.gov.uk/dip