Search for new source for Newtown, Powys Christmas tree

The tree which arrived ahead of last Saturday's Christmas lights switch-on has been provided for decades by The Rotary Club of Newtown who have persuaded various local people and organisations to donate a surplus Christmas spruce to the town.

"Many of the residents of Newtown might not realise that the Christmas tree erected every year is not provided by the Town Council," Past President of the Rotary Club of Newtown Bill Cullen said.

"Sources of the trees over the last 10 years have included The Forestry Commission, John Williams, David Hall, Randal Bennett and Cathy Knapp.

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"In addition, every year local businesses and individuals offer their help and expertise free of charge to erect the tree in the centre of Newtown. The long list includes Richard York, David Bennett, Nigel Pugh, Michael Rogers, Chris Tomley, Dicky Rogers and Chris Rogers.

"Cathy Knapp from the Mid Wales Arts Centre, who has donated seven trees, has exhausted her supply of suitable Christmas trees and so the Rotary Club of Newtown will be looking for a new source for next year.

"Finding the right Christmas tree is not as easy as you might think. Over the years trees have been described as too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, not enough branches, too many branches etc."

People who think they can help with a suitable tree is asked to get in touch with The Rotary Club of Newtown on their Facebook page.