NEARLY THERE: The crab-pot Christmas tree in its almost-finished glory. Base panels and final trimmings have still to be added. Picture: ALEX HURRELL.
Poll: What do you think of Cromer’s crab-pot Christmas tree?
Alex Hurrell, Reporter
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
2:00 PM
A strange tree which “grew” by the hour in Cromer churchyard had passers-by pausing to stare.
An unusual Christmas tree takes shape outside Cromer Parish Church. Photo: Andreas Yiasimi.Made of fishermen’s pots and decorated with life-buoy baubles, Cromer’s crab-pot Christmas tree is set to become an eye-catching feature of the resort’s festivities.
“We wanted to give the Christmas celebrations a twist with something unique celebrating the fishing heritage which is such an integral part of our town,” said Kate Royall, spokesman for the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival which was one of the groups involved.
The idea was suggested by Cromer stalwart Hilary Thompson, a member of the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, who discovered it was a tradition carried out on the east coast of Canada.
Festival members joined forces with Christmas lights volunteers, fishermen and local businesses to create the tree, using at least 150 of fisherman John Davies’ crab and lobster pots.
They persevered throughout the daylight hours, despite gale-force morning winds and biting cold.
The tree was designed, using scale drawings, by local architect Jim Bond who watched its progress from the pavement nearby.
It has been surrounded by decorated panels, made by the Open Door Community Art project in Sheringham, and Ms Royall said it would be uplit internally with green lights.
She thanked all those who had helped, including ACS Scaffolding who provided scaffolding free of charge, and vicar of Cromer, Rev David Court, who has allowed the tree to stand in the parish churchyard.
Cromer’s Christmas lights will be switched on this Friday, November 30, at 6.45pm.
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26 comments
Its fun, different and symbolic of the town whilst still full of Christmas spirit. For you that are moaning about the lack of real tree... You obviously don't live in Cromer or get out much (and therefore,stop the whinging, scrooge) because there's a traditional tree standing about 100 yards from this one.
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Localyouth
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Let's wait to see what it looks like lit up.
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Paul Radbourne
Thursday, November 29, 2012
I'd have preferred the outdoor gym. Another daft idea lauded by the few but imposed on the many.
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Mr Majika
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Imaginative
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weaversway
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Love the Potty idea, a very creative way to celebrate Cromer at Christmas. All set for Santa 'Claws'!
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JC
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
It does';t matter what the tree is made from; it's who is gathered around it!
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David Pritchard
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Great idea - and a bit bonkers - just the thing to raise a smile.....
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brillopad
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Brilliant idea, well done to all the hardworking volunteers who brighten the town at Christmas. Great to see the church are up for something unusual too. Cromer is a brilliant town and has a great and growing reputation for its art. WELL DONE
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nr26
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I'm with CoastalCrab all the way, and, as for Walsham Boy, you don't get out much, do you ? The best you can do is a car full of bluebottles...
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crunchy dick
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A great and original idea. Ipswich has also gone 'alternative' this year, with a similar eyecatching effect. See Ips Evening Star website.
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Tractorboy
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Inspired idea, and I'm looking forward to seeing it lit up. You shouldn't knock people who take creative risks like this - if you don't like it you could always move to Slough.
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Jim Whiteside
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I hope there's a crab at the top instead of a star.
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Jono
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I think it's wonderful. It's symbolic of Christmas and yet embraces the herritage of our town at the same time. So many towns have so very boring Christmas decorations and tree's that look like they are last year's! The only slight whinge I might have is the commercialised wrapper around the base but I haven't had time to inspect it closely.
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Gary Dickenson
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I support it but I will not take part in EDP polls as they are frequently used to justify planners and their lack of consultation.
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ingo wagenknecht
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
"What a fabulous original idea" - I agree Vez Pez. Makes me smile every time I walk by it.
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Reporter Donna-Lou
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I live in Cromer and I love it - what a fabulous original idea.
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Vez Pez
Monday, November 26, 2012
I saw it this morning (not lit up, unfortunately). It looks FANTASTIC. It's a little bit (ok, a LOT) different. It is nice to see that it's made up of crab pots and buoys, which is what Cromer is world famous for. . . .
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Lord Elf
Monday, November 26, 2012
With the exception of micklynn, ingo wagenknecht and shirley, what a terrible bunch of narrow minded individuals you are! We have an amazing group of volunteers here in Cromer, of which we should be immensely proud and whom we should highly praise. I can't imagine any of you kind folk have considered moving away from your pc's to actually get out in the community and volunteer to do something, other than moan and pass judgement on here! Have you ever considered that this creation has got people talking and will attract more visitors to Cromer to visit our Christmas displays and spend money in our town? Of course you are entitled to your own opinions, but please don't knock the hard work, creativity and enthusiasm of our local volunteers, unless you are prepared to put your money where your mouth is and volunteer yourself to help in the community. For Omnishambles, yes there is also a Christmas tree. You obviously don't live in Cromer or you would have noticed it nearby in the churchyard!
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CoastalCrab
Monday, November 26, 2012
What a load of old junk!
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Josh Els
Monday, November 26, 2012
I love it, thats what makes Cromer stand out from the rest. Its nice to see something more creative. WELL DONE.
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shirley
Monday, November 26, 2012
Hardly a christmas tree is it, bit of an eyesore really, so I guess it fits into Cromer town centre well.
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Walsham Boy
Monday, November 26, 2012
Excellent, arty and why not, lets get away from boring trees, cut down in the prime of their life for some foible, let intuition and local flavour be the guide. Well done the fishermen of Cromer.
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ingo wagenknecht
Monday, November 26, 2012
I thought fly tipping was illegal.
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Ne Absiste
Monday, November 26, 2012
ah well thats cromers crime figuers up for cromer i suppose the local alcohol inflamed will want to be the first to the top. just for once it would be nice for cromer to think of something itself instead of all these ideas from all over the world. i have three oranges anybody got a bit of coal and an old sock??
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stephen watson
Monday, November 26, 2012
An excellent creative work of art celebrating an important part of Cromer's heritage. So much better than the usual and boring 'traditional' set ups.
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micklynn
Monday, November 26, 2012
Was a Christmas tree too much to ask?
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omnishambles
Sunday, November 25, 2012