A Welsh sheep farmer believes he owns Britain’s oldest Christmas tree, and it’s now come out for its 94th season.
John Beynon, 71, lives on Kimley Moor near Swansea, where the one-foot artificial tree has been a family treasure since 1931.
His mother Josie picked it up from Woolworths for just sixpence, and it’s been the centrepiece of their celebrations ever since.
“It comes out every year ever since I can remember,” Mr Beynon said.
The semi-retired farmer reckons the modest little tree, no bigger than a candlestick, has witnessed nearly a century of British history.
During its remarkable 94-year run, the miniature tree has outlasted four monarchs and 23 prime ministers, all while staying put in that same Welsh kitchen.
The tree has never budged from its spot beneath the kitchen clock in the family farmhouse – a clock that Mr Beynon reckons might actually be even older.
“It is underneath the clock in the kitchen. The clock is probably older than the tree,” he said.
John Beynon believes he’s got Britain’s oldest Christmas tree: a tiny one-foot artificial tree that has been a family treasure since 1931
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Despite the decades, it remains in “remarkably good order”, though a few red berries have come loose over time.
When Mr Beynon’s mother first bought it, the tree was plain with just red berries. Now a robin perches on its branches alongside tiny baubles, a bell and strands of tinsel.
For Mr Beynon, the tree holds deep emotional significance, particularly following the death of his wife.
“I feel quite privileged that the tree has remained in the family for all those years without being broken or thrown away,” he said. “Especially after I lost my wife – it brings back Christmas memories.”
That sentimentality, he admits, is exactly what’s kept the little tree safe for so long.
“I don’t like throwing things out, and my mother did the same,” he explained. “We have been here so long we don’t throw things out.”
The family’s reluctance to discard treasured items has clearly paid off, and Mr Beynon is determined the tradition won’t end with him.
“It won’t go anywhere – it will be there for my daughter and whoever comes after her with a bit of luck,” he said.
His daughter Ellie has fond memories of watching her grandmother bring out the tree each Christmas before Josie passed away in May 2022 at the age of 90.
Despite its tiny size, the tree remains the main attraction during the family’s festive celebrations.
“It has been in the family for so long. It is important to keep the tradition going,” Ellie said.
“It is nice to keep something of my grandmother and keep the traditions alive, I guess.”