THERE might be no rockin’ around the Christmas tree in Bromyard this year.

That is the fear of Bromyard and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry which is desperately trying to find a Christmas tree to act as centrepiece to its lights display.

For the past 10 years the chamber has been given its Christmas trees – measuring between 25ft and 30ft – from the National Trust’s Brockhampton Estate.

However, there are no suitable trees left in the estate’s woodland as all existing trees are too old and no trees have been planted in recent years.

Geoff McGladdery, chairman of the chamber, is hoping someone will come forward who can help save Christmas in the town.

He said: “We need the tree by mid-November in time for the big switch-on in the Market Square on November 23.

“So many people come to see the lights in Bromyard, which many regard as some of the best in the area, and it would be such a shame if we didn’t have a tree.

“We are really hoping someone will help us. We have had trees from Norway in the past given by benefactors, and we are of course willing to help with transporting any tree anyone can donate.

“We’ve looked at the alternative of having a plastic tree, but they cost around £3,000 and it just wouldn’t be the same. It costs between £3,000 and £5,000 for the Christmas lights display and all money raised goes back to covering costs.

“The National Trust has been nothing but brilliant in giving us trees for the past 10 years, but it literally has none left to give us.”

If you can help, contact Geoff on 07588 559698.

  • Bromyard isn’t the only place struggling to get in the Christmas spirit this year.

Radway Bridge Garden Centre, near Hereford, is in need of a Father Christmas to run its Christmas Grotto at the garden centre on weekends in December.

They are hoping a charity will come forward and provide one, and all funds raised from the grotto will go to that charity.

Anyone who can help can contact 01432 850009.

  • This year’s British Christmas tree growing competition is set to culminate in Herefordshire.

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) will announce the winners on October 30 at Bridge End Forestry in Much Cowarne.

The winners will also get to deliver an outdoor Christmas tree to stand at 10 Downing Street this December.

For information on entry requirements, visit bctga.co.uk.