A Christmas tree which is deemed to be “Britain’s oldest”, cost only two shillings and survived the Blitz, is going on display for the 100th year.
Now, it may be a bit past its best and short on needles, but it’s an heirloom like no other.
The “absolutely underwhelming” and “battered” two-foot high artificial tree – which is currently being held together by sticky tape after it was hit by shrapnel during the Blitz in Sheffield in 1940 – was purchased in 1920 by Elizabeth Naylor from Woolworths for only two shillings.
And it since went on to survive WWII and eight house moves to become the treasured family joke that it is.
The tree has now been passed down to Elizabeth’s granddaughter Kay Ashton, 66, who has it proudly displayed at her home in Sheffield.
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She says her grandmother would be “absolutely flabbergasted” to hear it was still going strong.
Speaking to the BBC, Kay said: “It’s actually just a bit of a family joke now, even my sister says ‘have you got that twig out yet?’ and I go ‘yep’, she asks ‘does it look any better?’ and I go ‘nope’,
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“It still is absolutely underwhelming,”
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As “underwhelming” as it may be, the tree is still going strong for its 100th year.
Kay continued: “I think my nan would be absolutely flabbergasted because my mother was renowned for throwing stuff in the bin, [she even] threw my dad’s medals away from World War Two.
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“She wasn’t a hoarder [so] the fact it’s got through my mother, I really don’t know how it’s managed it.”
“People expect me to say it was a cherished thing, but it wasn’t. My mother used to chuck it in the box with the bells still on and put it in the shed. It’s one of the reasons why I can’t believe it’s still here.
“No wonder it looks a bit battered because it’s had a right life.
“If you were 100 you wouldn’t be looking so good.”
So, it’s fair to say the heirloom isn’t exactly admired by all, but Ms Ashton has admitted that despite those opinions from family and friends, there are no plans to stop the tradition of decorating the century-old tree ever year.
How brilliant is this?
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Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Aldi launches mystery hot cross buns and you can win £1,000 if you guess the flavours
Emily Sergeant
Aldi is launching a range of mystery hot cross buns, and there’s a cash prize up for grabs if you correctly guess the flavours.
Easter may be more than a month away at this point, but chocolate eggs, themed sweet treats, and, of course, hot cross buns are already stacked on supermarket shelves nationwide – with loads of different varieties to choose from.
Long gone are the days when the traditional current spiced hot cross buns are all you could find, as now there’s everything from chocolate orange and coffee, to lemon, blueberry, and even chilli cheese to try out.
But would you be brave enough to try a mystery hot cross bun?
In what is thought to be the first taste challenge of its kind by a supermarket, Aldi is giving shoppers the chance to win £1,000 worth of shopping vouchers if they manage to correctly guess the secret flavour of its three limited-edition hot cross buns.
Aldi launches mystery hot cross buns and you can win £1,000 if you guess the flavours / Credit: Sarah Horrigan
Launching in Aldi stores every Thursday for three weeks starting this Thursday (20 March), the mystery hot cross buns will come in eye-catching colourful packaging to tempt daring shoppers to put their taste buds to the test.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is pick up a pack of mystery hot cross buns, at just 99p for a two-pack, then spend some time tasting, smelling, and pondering over what the flavour may be, before submitting your guesses to [email protected].
You must be over 18 to enter, and can only enter once per flavour of hot cross bun.
There’ll be three winners in total, one for each mystery flavour, who’ll be chosen at random from correct entries.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd December 2020 
