So 2012, a year when we were supposed to see the world end has come and nearly gone, and as far as I can see I am still here. It has been a pretty phenomenal year for a lot of people, but also for me and Good King Hal.
My professional year has just come to a close with my final evening in the grotto as Father Christmas at Leeds Castle. It is a fairly well known fact the sainted Darlene Cavill is leaving her post as Events Manager at the Castle in May after so many years fulfilling the position. The place just won't be the same without her and after eight years of working as Santa at Leeds, with Darlene's departure it seems right that I should hang up the red bobble hat and hand over the present sack to someone else. To be honest it will be lovely just to have a normal Christmas without being cocooned within the grotto for three weeks and unable to do "normal" things! I personally think as in Doctor Who there should be a regeneration scene where I morph into the next person who plays Santa.
Being Henry this year has been great fun with visits to new areas such as Liverpool, Hexham, Barry and other various far flung corners of the British Isles. Plus I spent most of the summer months gallivanting around a variety of stately homes and castles with the wonderful Knights of Royal England - a truly epoch making experience. But this sort of travelling will pale into insignificance if the plans for 2014 come to fruition - I have been invited out to Shanghai in China for some Good King Hal appearances. I can't wait! I am so excited by the idea and really hope this all works out and becomes a reality. There are equally exciting plans for 2013 for the business, but I shall reveal my master plan piece by piece and as we reach each milestone. I like to keep my powder dry!
And my final reason for making 2012 so memorable is that I have met the lovely Shelley, a lady who has brought back the sunshine into my life long after I honestly thought I would never be personally happy again. For that I cannot thank her enough, but will have to start somewhere, so why not here? THANK YOU!
So to everyone who has been a part of the madness, fun and historical rantings that has been Good King Hal in 2012, many thanks to you. Hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. Here is to 2013 and hoping it is as successful and prosperous for you all.
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!
