Couple’s £6 Christmas tree planted in 1979 turns into 50ft attraction recognised on Google
A tiny Christmas tree planted by Avril and Christopher Rowlands back in 1979 has now grown into a staggering 50ft festive giant, becoming an unlikely beacon for tourists. The couple originally bought the fir for just £6 to celebrate their first yuletide in their new home and planted it outside after New Year’s Day.
Fast forward over 40 years, and the grand fir now dominates the skyline of their property. Since 2004, they’ve adorned their arboreal marvel with thousands of lights every December, a tradition that has made their home the highlight of Inkberrow, Worcestershire – notoriously one of the UK’s darkest villages due to its absence of street lights.
Their illuminated tree not only brings seasonal sparkle but also charitable cheer, having gathered more than £25,000 for causes such as the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
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(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
In 2022, the Rowlands managed to raise £3,000 for Worcester Food Bank, and this year they’re aiming to support the Midlands Air Ambulance with generous donations from visitors. Despite energy costs soaring, the couple was determined to go ahead with the annual lighting ceremony.
Approximately 2,000 people gathered to witness the spectacle light up the night on Saturday (December 6).
Avril, now a retired TV writer aged 79, reflected on the journey: “It’s a remarkable to think we bought the tree as a sapling really in 1978 and planted it outside after New Year’s Day 1979.”
She added, “We had no idea it would grow so tall but we’re delighted it has. Every year people say the tree switch-on marks the start of Christmas.”
(Image: Avril&Christopher Rowlands /SWNS)
The Inkberrow tree has become a local sensation, even earning its spot as a landmark on Google with a slew of five-star reviews. To offset the cost of their festive electricity bill, the couple reached out to their energy supplier, who generously chipped in £100 towards their Christmas expenses.
The lights will twinkle each evening from 4.30pm to 9.30pm until January 6. Avril confessed that keeping up with the tree’s maintenance is becoming more demanding due to its size, saying: “The tree did have a disease a year ago but we had the lower branches pruned and wooden posts installed to support it and it’s never looked better.”
She added, “Obviously, Chris and I are getting on, I’m 80 next year, but we’ve got no plans to stop the Christmas switch on.”
(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Concerning the tree’s impact on their property, she noted, “The tree’s roots are probably growing under the house but so far we’ve not had any problems.”
Avril also expressed how integral the tradition has become, stating, “We wouldn’t know what to do if we couldn’t do this switch on every year. It’s become a tradition in the village and beyond which is wonderful.”
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