Guernsey Press

Star on Tree of Joy put in place by Dame Mary

WINDY weather did not blow away plans to erect the Tree of Joy this weekend, as Dame Mary Perkins was hoisted in the air to its peak.

Published
After having gone up the Shard and the Gherkin in London, Dame Mary Perkins took in her stride the 110ft lift to put the star in place. (Pictures by Adrian Miller, 26376012)

The tree’s star was added on Saturday by the Specsavers co-founder, who was lifted 110ft up to put it in place, ready for the lights being switched on on Thursday 28 November.

An eager and festively attired Dame Mary, adorned with a Christmas hat and tinsel scarf, said she couldn’t wait to place and check the star.

‘It was pretty amazing to go up there,’ she said of the Weighbridge roundabout’s Tree of Joy.

‘I’ve been up the Shard and the Gherkin in London, so this is all right.

‘When I was standing below, watching the lights being put up, it was looking a bit breezy, but the wind dropped and I was sure it was safe, if a bit cold.

‘It was amazing to see Guernsey from a height, I waved from the top.’

It was 110ft to the top of the Tree of Joy which Dame Mary Perkins took in her stride. (26376008)

The Tree of Joy has been put up for a number of years by the Rotary Club, to coincide with its campaign to provide gifts for deserving local children.

It will be lit up ahead of the main Christmas lights being turned on in Town and on the Bridge, and will stay lit throughout the festive season.

The Rotary Club of Guernsey’s president, Nathan Silk, said he was extremely thankful to Dame Mary for coming down and braving the weather to support them.

‘It’s fantastic to see her do this for us,’ he said.

‘I’ve never been up there myself but she looked keen to go up and it’s all for a good cause.

‘The aim of the tree is to draw attention to our gift tags campaign, through which islanders can buy a gift for a local needy child.’

He said he was grateful to PwC, Guernsey Gas and The Bank of Butterfield for sponsoring the tree and to Stan Brouard Ltd, Island Electrics, Marine and General Ltd and tree surgeon Charles Vaudin for handling the practicalities.

Previous people to have put the star on top of the tree include Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, Lady Corder, and Guernsey FC mascot Roary the Lion.