Behind the Scenes - Preparing Guernsey's Tree of Joy for Christmas

Christmas may still be several weeks away, but Rotary Club of Guernsey volunteers are already hard at work ensuring the Tree of Joy is ready to shine again.

Every year, Guernsey's Tree of Joy faces the challenges of winter weather, but last year proved particularly demanding. Storm Greta arrived towards the end of the festive season, contributing to the failure of 13 strings of lights.

Recently, a team of Rotary volunteers gathered to carry out the necessary repairs.

Each light string measures approximately 32 metres and replacing them is no small task. The work involves carefully removing the damaged lights from their supporting cables before attaching the new strings.

Armed with tools, cable ties and plenty of enthusiasm, the team completed all 13 replacements in just four hours.

There was no shortage of conversation, laughter and friendly banter along the way – and even time for a well-earned coffee!

Local businesses making a difference

The Rotary Club of Guernsey extends its thanks to Ferryspeed for generously providing warehouse facilities, giving volunteers the space needed to carry out this essential maintenance.

The Club is also grateful to its principal Tree of Joy sponsors, PwC, Butterfield and Savills, whose generous support covers the cost of repairs and helps ensure this popular Christmas tradition continues.

The Tree of Joy has become a familiar part of Guernsey's festive celebrations, but its annual appearance depends on a considerable amount of preparation and the dedication of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Saturday's efforts were another example of Rotary's guiding principle, Service Above Self – with plenty of friendship and fun thrown in!