When it comes to his Christmas tree Derek Parker is the ultimate scrooge – as he’s had the same one for 80 years.
The pensioner, 80, from Crewkerne, Somerset, has even saved money on fairy lights for the fragile tree because he hasn’t replaced them for 40 years.
And the last time the ultimate saver bought a bauble was 30 years ago.
Derek Parker, 80, from Crewkerne, Somerset, has even saved money on fairy lights for the fragile tree because he hasn’t replaced them for 40 years. Above his wife Sybil, 78, helps decorate the tree
Still standing! The festive item is made out of wood, wire and green quilled feathers and has been with Derek his whole life
Derek, who is the same age as the 3ft tall artificial fir, has never known Christmas without it.
His late mother Lilly bought it for seven shillings and sixpence (37p) in 1937 when he was three-months-old.
When he married his wife Sybil and moved in with her 60 years ago he took the tree with him.
Part of the family: The Parkers stand with their children and the Christmas tree in 1967 during the festive period
It went with them through their seven different house moves and the couple bring it out every Christmas for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
The festive item is made out of wood, wire and green quilled feathers and it still has some of the original baubles and decorations.
The last decorations the Parkers bought for the tree were wooden teddy bears and elephants about three decades ago.
Left, Sybil, 78, decorates the tree with three-year-old great-granddaughter Bethany Marie Cope. Right, Derek still treasures his tree and he’s never had a Christmas without it
Through the generations: Derek showing his great grandson Logan Charles the tree in 2005
They now keep the tree on the windowsill of their bedroom in fear their great-grandchildren might accidentally damage it.
They have a brand new tree in their lounge.
Derek, a retired lorry driver said: ‘Every year I look in the bag its wrapped in to see if it’s still in one piece.
‘We have to be so careful when we lift it out but it amazes me just how well it has lasted.’
Derek and Sybil now keep the tree on the windowsill of their bedroom in fear their great-grandchildren might accidentally damage it. Pictured the pair in 2011
Sybil, 78, said: ‘It’s a double celebration this year as our tree turns 80 and Derek and I celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary.
‘I think it’s survived all these years because things were well made in those days.
‘It was bought from Woolworths and it’s made of wire and feathers, but after all these years it is starting to get quite fragile.
‘We don’t even take it apart anymore, we just put it in the box as it is, with all the decorations.
It’s been one busy year for the pair. Sybil said: ‘It’s a double celebration this year as our tree turns 80 and Derek and I celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary
It went with them through their seven different house moves and the couple bring it out every Christmas for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy. Above, the pair pose for a snap in 2002
‘The lights on it have been there for almost 40 years and we haven’t had to replace them.
Derek hasn’t replaced the baubles for 30 years
‘We haven’t even put any new decorations on for the last 30 years.
‘The children in the family have always loved the tree and regularly ask how Grandad’s tree has lasted so long.
‘We keep it on our bedroom window and it still takes pride of place there, even though we do worry our great-grandchildren may damage it.
‘It’s part of the family and it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.’
The couple have two children, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.