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Home / Whanganui Chronicle

Unique 'tag-a-bull' tree gives Xmas a local twist

Lin Ferguson
Whanganui Chronicle·
15 Dec, 2015 04:47 PM2 mins to read

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NO BULL: Tagging branches is Bulls community development manager Jan Harris.PHOTO/LIN FERGUSON

NO BULL: Tagging branches is Bulls community development manager Jan Harris.PHOTO/LIN FERGUSON

It's not all about tinsel, baubles and angels to dress your Christmas tree.

Bulls community development manager Jan Harris had a dilemma last month when it was realised there was no funding to buy Christmas decorations for the community tree.

Even though they put the word out around the local business community, it was down to some serious brain-storming around town instead, Jan said.

"Thankfully the tree was donated."

Then came the inspiration of using livestock ear tags to hang on the tree.

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Local farming business Allflex handed over 600 white cow ear tags and, within days, Jan had them out at the primary schools asking that every child sign their name on a tree tag. "We've even got parents coming in and signing their little ones' names on tags as well."

So, once again, it's another twist on the Bulls' theme, she laughed.

"We have the unique tag-a-bull tree - it was one of our shop-owner's idea to have a tagged tree."

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The 2m-high tree was set up pride of place last week outside the doctors' surgery in High S adorned with a large pink bow and boasting dozens of tags fluttering in the breeze from its branches.

Four hundred tags have the names of all the primary school children in Bulls and this week another 200 tags with secondary school students' names will be added, Jan said.

She said it has made Christmas more community-based.

"It's about the people here. Not the gifts, not the food it's about the community spirit."

And, adding to the mix, a small (or maybe big) boy will be the proud owner of the special Christmas raffle prize - a marvellous ride-on tractor with trailer.

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Jan said the toy was donated and all proceeds from the raffle would go towards an activity for youth in Bulls.

"It [the tractor] has been hugely admired and several adults have squeezed themselves in it for a quick ride."

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