Ho ho ho, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Yes indeed, and an assorted motley crew of GoodGym Greenwich regulars congregated at Blackheath High School to help set up the annual Westcombe Society Christmas fundraising Bazaar, armed with smiles, good intentions, and a healthy dosing of Christmas cheer (which, as we all know, is best spread by singing loud for all to hear (Elf B, 2003)).

Upon arrival with good-deeders Christian, Natalie, Clare, and Darryl, we found fellow Greenwich (Santa’s little) helpers, Linda and Amy, already (snow) storming their way through setting up the 50 tables for the event, in tow with assorted festive decorations.

With that task well under way, we piled into the lift and went downstairs to help with putting up Santa’s Grotto. Alas, once again, we were beaten to it by other altruistic Greenwich souls (obviously, and quite possibly selfishly, wanting to get to the top of Santa’s nice list).

Not wanting to find coal in our stockings on Christmas morning, we took the lift back up to the school sports hall, and headed over to the 16ft Christmas tree, freshly chopped down from Christmas Tree Farm in Kent. After some rather masculine logistical discussions, we found ourselves no closer to knowing how best to put up the huge tree. And so, we just decided to get on with it. With expert guidance from the brilliant Westcombe Society helpers, Darryl took up the slack from one of the supporting ropes, and Christian, Amy, and I, attempted to lift the tree.

‘WOW!’ I hear you think. ‘All that running must keep you guys super strong and fit!’ I hear you say. ‘Can we get these guys around to do our heavy lifting?’ I hear you yelp.

Unfortunately, unlike Channel 5’s festive showing of the World’s Strongest Man, after a minute of intense strain, we’d managed to lift the tree about 3 foot from the ground. However, GoodGym Greenwich’s very own Geoff Capes, Christian, took up the initiative and placed himself underneath the tree and performed an improvised squat. With a great thrust, we began to slowly push the tree upwards and with all hands-on deck, the tree was up and looking glorious in no time at all, to the rousing cheer of any onlookers. All of us proceeded to decorate the tree with baubles, tinsel, and other festive attire. I’m very happy to say that the tree looked magnificent!

After that was done, Christian swept up the floor and any stray Christmas tree needles, and we said our goodbyes. A brilliantly wonderful job guys! Steve :)

References: Buddy the Elf. 2003. Elf. Steve’s great Christmas films. Vol.21.