45 years ago, an English couple bought a fir sapling to celebrate their first Christmas in their new home, not realizing how big and beautiful it would grow.
'UK's darkest village' lit up by massive 50ft Christmas tree #christmas #features #inkberrow #england #uk #darkest #village #lights #christm… pic.twitter.com/q6XY1KgR0F
— KameraOne (@kamera_one) December 7, 2021
According to the Daily Star, Avril and Christopher Rowlands bought the tree after buying their house in late 1978 and planted it after the start of the New Year in 1979. Over the years, they watched as their evergreen grew taller.
Then, in 2004, During the tree’s 25th season, the Rowlands decided to add a new purpose to their tree journey. They began raising funds for charity from visitors who came to admire the thousands of Christmas lights adorning their great pine.
This has sparked new meaning for the people of their Inberrow village in Worcestershire, England, as the area is devoid of streetlights and known for its darkness. The tree now stands over 50 feet tall and lights up the area from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through January 6, drawing neighbors and visitors to the sight.
It has gained such fame that the local electric company donated 100 pounds to the Rowlands’ energy bill this year. In addition, this famous tree was recently added as a landmark on Google, earning its place as a global attraction.
45 years ago Avril and Chris Rowland planted a Christmas tree they bought for £6
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 10, 2024
It's now 50ft tall
The couple tell us how it helps light up their village
They're supporting midlands air ambulance this year and you can too: https://t.co/aDnlw92FnK
🎄#KayBurley SS pic.twitter.com/yGEqdi5MaI
During an interview with English broadcaster Kay Burley, Mrs. Rowlands stated, “We do a charity collection each year. Over the years, we’ve raised over 25,000 pounds for different charities–because there are so many worthwhile charities, we thought we wouldn’t just focus on one.”
Mr Rowlands added that this year they are contributing to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity because “They get no sort of government funding at all.”
Midlands Air Ambulance posted about being selected by the Rowlans on Facebook, stating, “A huge thank you to Avril and Christopher Rowlands from #Worcestershire for choosing us as their charity of choice for their annual Christmas tree light switch-on!”
