Windsor Castle's Christmas trees are chosen in the Great Park

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Worcestershire couple Avril and Christopher Rowlands are facing an eye-watering energy bill after lighting their Christmas tree that towers at over 50 feet. The festive icon, planted 44 years ago, has been the talk of the town after it was covered with more than 1,000 lightbulbs. The pair come from Inkberrow, known for being one of Britain’s “darkest” villages for its lack of street lights. Mrs Rowlands said children had told her they rejoice at being able to look at the tree “from their bedroom window” from across the village. 

Their energy provider has promised to knock £100 off their bill to thank the couple for their kind gesture.

The couple received a call from Green Energy two years ago after a spike in their energy consumption caused concern. 

At that point, their small six-foot conifer in their front garden had become a towering Christmas tree and a bright attraction for the locals during the festive period. 

Mrs Rowlands said: “They actually got in touch with us two years ago, in January, and said: ‘Your electricity bill has gone very high. Can we help? Is there any reason this has happened?’

“So I told them and they said: ‘Oh, well, we’ll donate £100.’” The energy provider then decided to donate £100 again this year. 

Inkberrow

Each year, the Rowlands pick a charity for which they raise money by turning the Christmas tree lights on. 

As well as local collection boxes, the couple have an online crowdfunder set up to allow people to donate to their chosen cause. 

At the start of December, a local cherry picker helps them set up the lights on the towering tree; they remain brightly shining until Epiphany on January 6.

This year, the Rowlands are raising money for Worcester Food Bank. Already, they have put together £800. 

It is the same cause they picked for their annual lighting of the tree two years ago. 

Usually, they refrain from picking the same charity but they thought it seemed appropriate given the cost of living crisis. 

In previous years, the Worcestershire couple have raised more than £2,000 for their chosen cause. 

The Christmas tree and the Rowlands’ charity work have now become a staple of Inkberrow. 

DON’T MISS: Thousands yet to claim £400 energy grant [REVEAL]
Octopus Energy to fund 100+ solar projects for cheap energy boost [REPORT] 
760,000 vulnerable households miss out on vital energy bill support [REVEAL] 

“We’ve only ever had very, very positive remarks, you know, there have even been some children who say that they like to look at the tree from their bedroom window,” said Mrs Rowlands.

“We’ve only ever had really, really good positive feedback. If they don’t like it, they haven’t told us. We couldn’t cut it down, we’d have to leave the village I think,” said Mrs Rowlands, before laughing.” 

The tradition of the towering tree began in 1978 when Mr Rowlands found that he could not dispose of the couple’s then-small conifer. After planting outside, the tree took to the soil and grew rapidly. 

There was a scare two years ago, when the couple “thought it was dying” due to “dead needles and branches”, but the towering tree managed to find “a new lease of life”.

READ NEXT: Security expert shares mistakes that lead to Christmas burglaries
‘Main reason’ Christmas trees catch fire – how to ‘avoid’ damage
Monty Don shares where to ‘never’ place Christmas trees in your home
‘Easiest’ method to find a ‘cheaper’ real Christmas tree
‘Simple steps’ to decorate your Christmas tree

Source: Read Full Article