A couple’s Christmas tree that they planted in 1978 now stands 50 feet tall and attracts thousands of people to their festive lights switch-on.
Avril and Christopher Rowlands paid 6 pounds ($7.60) for the fir, which they put in the garden of their new home in the pretty village of Inkberrow, Worcestershire, UK.
After enjoying their first Christmas in the house in 1978, the couple planted the tree in the front garden.
Over the years it has steadily grown, and it now towers over their four-bedroom detached property—measuring a whopping 50ft.
Each December the couple decorate their giant fir with thousands of fairy lights, which they switch on for the whole village to enjoy.
The tree is so tall a cherry picker is used to reach the top branches and add the star to the top.
When lit up, the tree is one of the brightest landmarks in Inkberrow—one of the UK’s darkest villages on account of there being no street lights.
Mrs. and Mr. Rowlands’s fir now attracts thousands of people who view their tree every December and it even stars in a new children’s book.
“It’s amazing to think that when we first bought the tree in 1978, we brought it home on the roof of my Mini,” said retired TV writer Mrs. Rowlands, 78, who penned the children’s book.
“We decided to plant the tree outside our window to mark our first Christmas in our new home.
“Since then the tree has just shot up and is now an unofficial landmark in the village.
“We love doing the Christmas lights. The tree can be seen from miles around on clear nights, and people flock to see it.
“It’s become something of a tradition for people in the village and beyond.
“It even inspired me to write a children’s book about the tree called ‘The Laxford House Christmas Tree.’
“It’s gone wild in the village. With the sale of the book, the tree has spanned generations in the village.”
Retired BBC editor Mr. Rowlands, 79, said, “The tree is really special.
“During COIVD, we didn’t do the switch-on, but it was lit. It was like a beacon of hope. We are so grateful for the help we receive every year to light it up.
“It’s become something of an annual tradition and long may it continue.”
The couple ask for people who admire the lights to make a donation, and over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for charity.
This year the couple is raising money for a local charity that provides a foodbank for people struggling and shelter for the homeless.
The couple cut down on their festive-season electricity bill by having the lights switched on for just two hours each night.
