Since 1947 after the Second World War the people of Oslo have sent a Christmas present to the people of the UK with a note: “Thanks for your support 1940-1945.”
This is the Christmas Tree that is the centre of festivities in Trafalgar Square, and especially New Year’s Eve. But what happens to this magnificent 20m 60 year old spruce after Twelfth Night?
It gets wood chipped.
But who would destroy such a Christmas present? Even that foul tie from auntie Gladys would be recycled in the office ‘secret Santa’ or dedicated to cleaning your engine’s dip stick.
So why isn’t this prime stick of timber recycled more thoughtfully? This is a noble tree that deserves a more dignified send off. There must be half a sailing boat’s amount of timber in it.
This is the Christmas Tree that is the centre of festivities in Trafalgar Square, and especially New Year’s Eve. But what happens to this magnificent 20m 60 year old spruce after Twelfth Night?
It gets wood chipped.
But who would destroy such a Christmas present? Even that foul tie from auntie Gladys would be recycled in the office ‘secret Santa’ or dedicated to cleaning your engine’s dip stick.
So why isn’t this prime stick of timber recycled more thoughtfully? This is a noble tree that deserves a more dignified send off. There must be half a sailing boat’s amount of timber in it.
Can any Classic Sailor readers get together and save this source of valuable timber in a good cause ?
How about using the timber from this tree to show boatbuilding skills to youngsters? Might the generous Norwegian people – who all clubbed together to buy their king the Royal Yacht Norge after the war – rather their gift be turned into something boaty rather than garden mulch? Go on. Take a wild guess…
It might even be enough for a spare topmast for HMS Victory. That would please the bloke overlooking the festive events from that column.
From a letter in our November issue, from John Quirk, Patonga Creek, Australia
How about using the timber from this tree to show boatbuilding skills to youngsters? Might the generous Norwegian people – who all clubbed together to buy their king the Royal Yacht Norge after the war – rather their gift be turned into something boaty rather than garden mulch? Go on. Take a wild guess…
It might even be enough for a spare topmast for HMS Victory. That would please the bloke overlooking the festive events from that column.
From a letter in our November issue, from John Quirk, Patonga Creek, Australia
Any suggestions please email the editor@classicsailor.com