An evening of festive family fun was on offer for visitors to Inkberrow last Sunday, 29th November.
Each year, Avril Rowlands and her husband Chris decorate a fir tree in their front garden with festive lights and hold a special charity evening to celebrate the switch on. Visitors who enjoy the lights over the festive season are invited to make a charity donation.
This year, the Rowlands have chosen to support St Richard’s Hospice, which offers specialist care to patients at the end of their lives and supports their loved ones.
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the family’s home in Poplar Piece, Inkberrow, to cheer as the 1,000 light extravaganza was switched on by St Richard’s Specialist Nurse Sue Thurston and family friend Janice Swan, whose husband was cared for by the hospice.
Visitors also enjoyed coffee and mince pies, a fireworks display, music from a fairground organ and a steam traction engine display.
The lights will be switched on each night until Wednesday 6th January. The display is free for all and donations for St Richard’s Hospice will be gratefully received.
Avril Rowlands said; “It all started when we planted a Christmas tree in our front garden 37 years ago. Each year since then we have decorated the tree with lights and, as it grew larger, many people came to see it so we decided to raise money for charity. The tree is now 48 feet high! Last year we raised £1,500 and so we are hoping to exceed this amount this year.”