blog.gov.jeChristmas comes but once a year, as does the opportunity to try and break a Guinness World Record, which is exactly what Bino Rodrigues is trying to do this month as part of his Jersey Christmas Tree Experience within Howard Davis Park.
Bino has saved 800 wonky and imperfect Christmas trees from being shredded by a supplier in the UK to form the basis of his enchanted Christmas Experience and illuminated theme to be eligible for the World Record attempt. Bino is delighted to have the doors open ready to welcome you all from 4pm each day up to, and including, Christmas Eve.
Visitors to the experience will be able to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and will be greeted by a flurry of visitors along the way as they weave throughout the trees adorned with twinkling lights.
Given the time of year can stretch many, the team at Connect Me wanted to offer those who may not otherwise be able to visit the experience a ticket to go and see it for themselves. Therefore, they purchased 500 tickets which have been distributed to the following on island organisations;
Salvation Army
Brighter Futures
Autism Jersey
Jersey Mencap
Children and Families Hub
Caritas
Mont a l’Abbe School
Brightly
Young Carers
Happy Heroes
Beresford Street Kitchen.
If you’re wondering what will happen to the trees once the experience has closed its doors then worry not, they’ll be making some island goats incredibly happy as they devour the pine and use their branches as makeshift obstacle courses. Bino is also in talks with Jersey Zoo to see if they might be interested in taking some. Obviously, with 800 trees, there will be plenty left to shred and use as mulch within the park too.
For tickets to the Christmas Tree Experience visit: https://rb.gy/nrc0cl
The Connect Me: Connecting our Communities Grant Scheme is a Government of Jersey initiative that provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects which increase opportunities for Jersey residents to participate in arts or physical activities for wellbeing. Since the initiative began they have supported 106 projects engaging more than 25,000 islanders.
To build on the great work which is being delivered through the grant scheme a network of Community Connectors has been developed as part of the Community Compass initiative. These Connectors work outside of Government and are better placed to listen and talk to individuals and groups alike, making connections and providing support across the community, building on existing resources and networks.