Tree of Joy Erected & Switched On (19 & 30 November 2017)

Sunday 19 November

The Rotary Club of Guernsey’s "Tree of Joy" got off to a flying start this year with all the Rotary elves pitching up at the first time of asking. After the previous 3 years where we have had to rely on the fall back date, our willing and very able team of Rotary elves managed the difficult feat of putting up the 32 light strings each 32m long along with the help of a few professionals. The light tree is the centre point of the Rotary tree of Joy campaign which organises Christmas present for children in Guernsey who may go without a present otherwise.

A big thanks is due to Lady Corder who took on the mantle which her husband took on last year and helped ensure that the star at the top of the tree was properly affixed.

A special word of thanks needs to go to Andy Richmond from Marine and General who organised the crane along with the road closures, etc. But also thanks to Bob Froome and his team who get the opportunity to view St Peter Port from a great height when they put the star at the top of the mast and attach the light strings.  A final thanks needs to go to Charlie Vaudin who dangles from the crane to affix the restraining hoops, whilst the Rotary elves head off to the White Rock cafe for a well deserved bacon butty and brew. 

Finally may we thank our sponsors, Deutsche Bank, Guernsey Gas and PwC without which none of this would be possible.

Thursday 30 November

8 year-old Rosie McClean pushed the big red button to switch on the Tree of Joy at the PwC offices next to the Weighbridge roundabout on Thursday evening.

Rosire was nominated by The Hub after she had to cope with the death of her father last year. She was given support by the Sunflower Project.

Rosie said that turning on the lights was a great experience 'I'm very, very excited. It looks tall and lovely. It is nice to have for Christmas'.