Santa bursts into flames

Genges, at the corner of Dorchester’s High West Street and Trinity Street, was once the largest store in the town.

Each year, Genges would have a Santa’s Grotto. At Christmas time, back in 1951, Dorchester children in the Grotto, waiting their presents, experienced something of a surprise. Father Christmas lit up a cigarette and his beard just burst into flames.

The name of Genges can be seen above the former store’s frontage in High West Street.

(Source: Sunday Express - 16th December 1951.)

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