Published: 15/01/2020
By Allan Fuller
December's question: On the first Thursday in December, a huge Christmas tree is lit in London’s Trafalgar Square. Which country gifts it to London and why?
And the answer is....
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been an annual gift to the people of Britain by the city of Oslo as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War.it is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norway spruce, generally over 20 metres tall. The tree is cut in Norway sometime in November during a ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and Lord Mayor of Westminster. After the tree is cut, it is shipped to the UK by boat across the sea.
The tree has provided a central focus for the Trafalgar Square traditional carol-singing programme, performed by different groups raising money for voluntary or charitable organisations. It remains until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch.
This months winner
Congratulations to Mr Mark Furness on this months QUIZ - Your bottle of Champagne will be waiting for your collection!!