In 30 degree weather and under near constant bird attack, Dwayne Hopper donned his climbing equipment last Friday to continue a great Raymond Terrace tradition - installing the Christmas lights in the old Rectory Norkfolk pine tree.
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For more than 20 years Mr Hopper has been climbing the iconic 43 metre tall tree to install the Christmas lights.
He makes 12 trips up and down the tree to attach the 12 runs of lights, featuring 60 bulbs each, near the top. They are then pegged into the ground at the bottom of the tree. Mr Hopper also places a star at the top.
"It's something I like doing every year," he said. "People see me up the tree and realise Christmas is pretty close."
The lights will be officially lit at Carols Under the Christmas Tree at the Old Rectory in Sturgeon Street on Friday, December 6. The event starts at 6pm.
The lights switch on at 7.30pm and off at 11.30pm until the end of January.
Next week Mr Hopper will climb the Norfolk pine tree in Apex Park, Nelson Bay to install all new Christmas lights. Runs of 24 volt, weatherproof Festoon lights - the same as what is used in the Terrace tree - will be installed in the Bay tree.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
