A DOG rescue centre in Cleobury Mortimer is celebrating after being named the winner of the 2025 Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival, writes Maya Dabrowska.
Birch Hill Dog Rescue Centre took the ‘People’s Choice’ title after receiving the most in-person token votes combined with the most Facebook likes.
Its beautiful tree was surrounded by dogs and decorated baubles and featuring a kennel housing two stuffed toy pooches.
Last year’s winner – Jason Saunders of Wise Fabrication Ltd – was second for his handmade forged steel Christmas tree.
Worcestershire Neonatal Unit finished in third place, Nick Taylor Plumbing in Malvern was in fourth place and National Gird in fifth.
The festival ended on January 6 and more than 200 organisations participated in the biggest festival yet.
Birch Hill Dog Rescue received 585 votes and won the hearts of voters who left numerous comments on Facebook.
One said: “A beautiful tree with charming detailing, especially the kennel with the two little dogs inside. Well done Birch Hill Dog Rescue.”
Wendy Watts, Birch Hill Dog Rescue trustee, said: “We have been completely blown away by this win – there were so many lovely trees taking part.
“The rescue world is really tough at the moment, so something like this really cheers us all up and we are so grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
She added the rescue centre also had its charity shop in Mealcheapen Street, Worcester, so ‘just had to enter a tree into the festival’.
She said the theme for the tree was based on the charity’s project launched last year – ‘Operation Sunshine’ – which was made possible thanks to the help of supporter, Lin Morris and her husband, Steve Wassell.
Manager, Andy Jones, made the kennel for the base with Lin and Steve who created decorations to hang on the tree.
Wendy said: “Inside each of the baubles were our rescue dogs, some sadly still waiting for that forever home and some that are in foster care.
“Right at the top of the tree was the sunrise, hopefully lighting the way for a brighter future.”
The cathedral’s events director, Sam Poursain, congratulated the top five trees, said Birch Hill Dog Rescue was a worthy winner and added standards seemed to rise every year for the festival.
The festival was sponsored by Newmedica, Edmot Property Agents, Haus Installations, Kendrick Homes, Nick Taylor Plumbing, Peaceful Moments Therapy, Southco, St Peter’s Garden Centre and Bryland Fire Protection.
Visit worcestercathedral.org.uk for more information on Worcester Cathedral and: brchhilldogrescue.org.uk for further details on Birch Hill Dog Rescue.
