Surrey goat boy inspires drive for good deeds on leap day
9:40am Friday 10th February 2012 in Where I Live By Tom Barnes
Robin Hutchinson
The Surrey Comet is teaming up with the legendary goat boy of Seething Wells to inspire people to use their leap year extra day to do something good for their neighbours.
Each year the “villagers” of Seething celebrate mythical Lefi Ganderson driving the giant Thames Deeton from the town by holding a procession through the streets of Surbiton.
Leap years are special in the legend of Lefi who taught villagers to use their extra day to do something out of the ordinary for the community.
The festival, featuring stilt-walkers, wig-wearers and musicians, takes place on February 26 but readers can get involved by telling us about your neighbourly acts of kindness.
We also want you to come up with suggestions as to how our reporter can spread some cheer in the community with the winning idea being acted out.
In the weeks leading up to the procession we will feature your stories on how you have used the day to make life better for others.
The made-up myth of Lefi Ganderson is the wacky invention of Robin Hutchinson, the brains behind Homage de Fromage, the British Bread Golf Open and Ski Sunday.
He said: “How about spreading a smile on your journey, giving up your seat or letting people go first. At work why not offer to make a drink for people or ask how they are doing?
“Is anyone planning a street party in your area? If there is not one going on maybe you can start something yourself.
“There are a number of charities that need help so why not contact one of them and see if there is a way you can help. It’s up to you – the important thing is to do something and let us know what you are doing.”
Send your tweets from work, school or at home to @surreycomet using the hashtag #lefiday or email Tom on tbarnes@surrey comet.co.uk.
Send your ideas on what our reporter can do to spread cheer to news desk@surreycomet.co.uk.
