Grieving Widow Honors Late Husband with 50ft Christmas Tree

A 50-foot Christmas tree, planted by Avril and Christopher Rowlands in 1979, has become a symbol of love and remembrance for the community in Inkberrow, Worcestershire. Following the death of her husband in March, Avril, now 80, is continuing their cherished tradition of decorating the tree, which has grown to tower over their four-bedroom detached home.

The couple originally purchased the £6 fir to commemorate their first Christmas together. Over the years, they transformed the tree into a local landmark, using a cherry picker since 2004 to adorn it with thousands of lights each December. This year, Avril is determined to honor Christopher’s memory by continuing the festive switch-on, a spectacle that has attracted considerable attention in the village.

“I’m decorating the tree in honour of Chris this year because he loved the spectacle,” Avril shared. She plans to use thousands of LED lights after last year’s tungsten bulbs were damaged in strong winds. A local firm has generously donated the sturdier LED lights, ensuring the tree shines bright throughout the festive season.

Each year, the event draws a crowd, and this weekend was no exception, with approximately 2,000 people attending the celebration at Avril’s home. The tree stands as the only source of illumination in Inkberrow, a village notable for lacking street lighting. Its prominence has even earned it a spot as a local landmark on Google, where it has garnered five-star reviews from visitors.

Avril, a retired television writer, reflected on the unexpected legacy of the tree. “People say that seeing the tree switched on is the start of their Christmas, which is just lovely,” she remarked. The couple has used the tree as a means to give back to the community, raising over £25,000 for various charities over the years by requesting donations from those who come to admire the tree.

This year, Avril aims to raise funds for Asthma and Lung UK in tribute to Christopher, who battled emphysema. As she decorates the tree, she continues to reflect on the journey they embarked on together nearly half a century ago. “We never expected that when we moved in all those years ago and planted the tree in the garden that almost 50 years later it would still be going strong,” she added.

The towering Christmas tree not only serves as a tribute to a beloved husband but also as a beacon of hope and community spirit, bringing joy to many during the festive season.