The magnificent Norwegian spruce, topped by a large star and decorated with silver lights, stood proud in the centre of the town. The tree was selected by the main sponsor Keith Brown, managing director of Sealord, Caistor, on a recent visit to the town of Enebakk in Norway.


The Kingsway Printers Band led the ceremony with the playing of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and MC William Smith introduced Keith Brown who went on to thank all the sponsors of the event. Keith explained that four years ago he challenged Michael Galligan to find a tree for Caistor on a par with the one in Trafalgar Square and Michael contacted Tore Tideman, Mayor of Enebakk, (who also ran the Forestry Commission). Tore told Keith he would not sell the tree but would donate one. And so the story began.


Thanks go to Gary Moran and his Lysline Team of Shipping Agents of Immingham for the transportation of the tree from Norway to the UK, Phil Hedges of Hedges Transport who transported the tree from the docks to Caistor and finally Emma and Peter Hird and Allan Hemmings of P.Hird Cranes of Hull who provided the 100 foot crane to erect the tree.


Sadly, following major surgery, Tore Tideman died six months ago and Michael Galligan unveiled a plaque beneath the tree in memory of Tore Tidermann, founder of the Caistor Norwegian Christmas tree and the initial idea of the Twinning programme between the Caistor and Enebakk Schools.


Coun Steve Webster, Mayor of Caistor, thanked the contractors around the market place for their co-operation in the evening's event, the Caistor Goes... committee for its hard work and Keith Brown for his generosity before introducing Rachel Axcell, Round the World Yachtswoman who said how proud she was to be asked to switch on the lights. Following the countdown from ten, the 50 foot tree came alive with the hundreds of lights and the magnificent star at the top.


The Yarborough school entertained the large crowd with several carols before more traditional music from the band preceded the sweet singing from the primary children. As Jingle Bells was sung the sound of the bells welcomed a special visitor on a sleigh. Santa Claus had arrived to present the waiting children with sweets from his sack and then suddenly the market place became empty once again apart from the magnificent tree.


Photos by Linda Oxley.