The day was planned for the 1st December, with a volunteer working party, consisting of Pete and Sandra Sackett, Mum (Sylvia), Sonia and myself.

Julainne and Pete choose a tree

A strategy meeting was planned for 10.00am, and trust me to be late! We sat down with hot teas and coffees to talk colours, designs and more importantly the largest Christmas tree we could fit in. 10.30 came about and our shopping spree began. We split into two teams, Sonia and Mum, (who stayed at the trust shop, preparing the Christmassy area), and Pete, Sandra and myself who went on the shopping spree.

We returned laden with Christmas goodies and the largest tree we could find (and it was a real one).

Unloading the BIG tree

Having prepared the pot and trimmed the tree it was positioned and decorating began, much to our excitement. Pete was in charge of lighting, Sylvia was giving much needed training in tree decoration and the placing of the tinsel according to its size, culminating in Julianne placing the star on top of the tree (because Sandra couldn’t reach!).

After the fun and excitement, we positioned previously prepared parcels and presents made by Huck and Julianne and then the tree looked amazing.

Beautiful!

The day was getting on and it was time to make a few more displays which had a touch of Christmas. The trimmings from the tree were added to the windows and doors with subtle tones of gold lemeta. After our hard work and fun, management (Sonia) walked in and subtlety suggested…….

……..”The entrance needs something more, why not put lights there?”

Once the Trust Shop looked festive we decided to test out the new floor for its dancing capabilities, we had backing vocals from Dean Martin, who sang Christmas tunes, and we started rocking around the Christmas tree.

By far the most popular presents from the Trust Shop have been the Camera Nest Boxes, which come with a complete installation package – black and white/infrared camera, power cable and SCART connection together with full easy fixing instructions.

Sonia putting up decorations in the Trust shop

One of our members has found the ideal site for the box. Outside her kitchen window she has installed the box to the side of the garage and now can watch the activities of her ‘tenants’ both outside the box, and on the kitchen TV she can view them from inside the box. They are very reasonably priced at £79.99.

Another very popular item has been the ‘Hooting Owls’ - I’m sure you have all been caught out by them at some time in the Trust Shop. These are one of Ashley’s ‘specials’ – he sourced them and is always very excited when another one is sold. A bargain at £22.95 and guaranteed to give hours and hours of pleasure!

So all in all, Christmas is here to stay at the Trust, already we are working on even greater ideas for 2008, any suggestions gratefully received.

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