Friday 29th November

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: Where to get a real Christmas tree in Canberra + a classic car show

🌦️ Weather: 27° and partly cloudy. 80% chance of showers later in the day. The small chance of a thunderstorm.

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Where to Get a Christmas Tree in Canberra

Looking for a real Christmas tree this year? Here's where to find them:

RSPCA: The annual RSPCA Christmas Tree sale starts today. Trees are available to pick up from Weston with all money raised going back to the shelter. Details here.

Santas Shaped Christmas Trees: Trees from the local Santa's Shaped Christmas Trees farm are available from the Southside Farmers Market in Phillip, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC, The Old Bus Depot Markets, Capital Market in Belconnen and Bunnings in Gungahlin. Details here.

Wallaroo Road Bespoke Christmas Trees: The Wallaroo Road Christmas tree farm opens this weekend. They are located just outside of Hall. Details here.

Christmas Tree Keng: Christmas Tree Keng has been operating since 1987. Their farm is located in Bywong and is open from December 1. Details here.

The Christmas trees from the RSPCA, Santas Shaped Christmas Trees, and Christmas Tree Keng are all $95. Wallaroo Road charges $120.

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From the past: Christmas Trees and Changing Attitudes

Scouts ACT used to sell Christmas trees in the ACT as a fundraising activity. From 1945, The Department of the Interior's Forests supplied free Christmas trees to Churches, schools and kindergartens, and the ACT Boy Scouts were in charge of selling these trees to the public. The Christmas Trees came from the ACT's radiata pine plantations.

In 1966, the commissioner of the Girl Guides enquired if they, too, could participate in the fundraiser and help supply Christmas trees in Canberra. The Guides commissioner received this horrible response from the department:

"...I do feel that the main task, the handling of bulky Christmas trees, would be a more appropriate task for boys than girls. For this reason, and as I would not wish to reduce the dividends on this arrangement too greatly, I am sorry that I cannot agree to your proposal."

You can see the archive collection here.

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This Weekend: Terribly British Car Show

The Terribly British Car and Bike Display is happening this Sunday at Queanbeyan Park (if the weather is wet, the event will be held at the Queanbeyan Bus Depot 64 Morisset St). There will be classic cars from Aston Martins to Minis, Bentleys to Bristols and classic Motor Bikes from Ariels to Nortons, Triumphs to Vincents. Proceeds from the event go to the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan. Details here.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

The Hall Village Christmas Fair is happening tonight, there's a pride party at The Vault, German Markets in Narrabundah and much more happening this weekend.

Get the full rundown of weekend events here.

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Something to do: ⛳️ Stadium Golf

Canberra Stadium is transforming into a golf coliseum next weekend. Tee off from elevated platforms and hit onto the field of play to see how close you can get to the holes. A round will take about 90 minutes, and there is a clubhouse where you can enjoy drinks before and after your game. It's suitable for both novice and serious golfers. Details here.

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Kids: 🚣 School Holiday Rowing

The Red Shed is a community rowing facility on Lake Burley Griffin, providing rowing opportunities to everyone in the community, not just private school and university students. There are school holiday programs happening in December and January. The 5-day program for secondary school children offers a fantastic introduction to the sport. Details here.

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Classifieds:

🎶 Vinyl Records Sale: retro music, 1930s to 1980s, new and mint. Christmas Bargains: mostly Afro-American music & rock, pop.

At the Summer German Markets, Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Sunday December 1 from 9am to 1pm inside the club.

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest.

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Tidbits:

Scarab outbreak: Some households around Canberra have been dealing with a significant increase in scarab beetles. It's believed the recent warm weather has prompted the increase in activity. More.

QR Code Changes: NEC, the contractor in charge of developing MyWay+, will be making changes to the QR code system, with many people saying they've been unable to successfully scan on or off. At the moment, it's best to use a MyWay+ card (if you can find one) instead of the QR codes. Transport Canberra has said anyone experiencing issues tapping off will not be charged a penalty fare.

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