Local resident and businessman Ian Watson has donated £1,000 to the Jesmond Residents Association (JRA) for a real Christmas tree to be put up on Acorn Road.

Thanks to Watson’s donation, a 14ft tree was erected on Friday (9th December) at the top of Larkspur Terrace, Jesmond.

Photograph by Morgan Ayre

The tree’s official unveiling is this evening (Monday 12th December) at 5pm when the lights will be switched on by Steve Robson of Acorn Hardware.

Marjorie Dodds, Jesmond’s local town crier, will be there too to start off the event, which will be followed by seasonal refreshments.

Watson, owner of Hadrian Health Care which provides care home accommodation around the north east, has recently set up his own charity, The Watson Family Charity Trust, which aims to “encourage community development”.

Watson told JesmondLocal: “Having moved to Jesmond only three years ago, I noticed the disappointing lack of Christmas [decoration], especially around the beautiful, traditional retail street Acorn Road. I met with the JRA chairman and offered my financial support for a tree.

“I’m sure it just needs this initial push and it will encourage others, both residents and businesses, to want to do more.”

Local councillor Stella Postlewaite has also been helping the JRA over the weekend to prepare for the event tonight.

Continuing the Christmas theme, a Christmas market will be held on Acorn Road on Saturday 17th December. There will be a road closure from 12:00 and suspension of parking from 06:00. The market starts at 1pm and will include many festive stalls, finishing at 5pm.