Tree Barn Christmas shop opens

THE Tree Barn in Christmas Common held a preview to mark the opening of its Christmas shop on Friday. 

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés as they browsed the baubles, tinsel, chocolates and lights decorating the shop. 

The event was hosted by owners Jane and Andrew Ingram with their daughters Rebecca and Jess and assisted by the shop’s team of “elves”. 

The family have been selling Christmas trees for more than 50 years and running the shop for more than 20.

Mrs Ingram said of the launch: “It went very smoothly, thanks to my elves, especially Jan and Emma.” 

Mr Ingram said: “We’re just getting ready for the tree harvest, starting next week.” Between 1,400 and 1,500 trees will be harvested in th run-up to Christmas.

Meanwhile, Mrs Ingram will be decorating the Downing Street tree for the seventh time along with Charlotte Gilbert, from Solihull.

She said: “It will be very similar to last year. We try to include a few topical things and a few London things and to sneak the odd elf in.” The shop is open from 9am to 5.30pm every day with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays until 7.30pm. 

Christmas tree sales from the barn will start from Saturday, November 18 with the same opening times. 

Both the shop and the tree barn will close at noon on Christmas Eve.