Family's decorations cause a stir on city street

A couple who have put up dozens of Christmas decorations on their house since 2020 say this year they have gone even bigger to raise money for charity.

Dora and Mark Greenhouse began decorating their Hereford home and garden after the death of Dora's sister, 44-year-old Eve, at St Michael's Hospice in 2020.

In 2021, they decided to start raising money for the charity to thank them for the care they gave her and, at the same time, reflect Eve's love of Christmas, Mrs Greenhouse said.

They have since raised more than £5,000 over four years and said they have already had dozens of people visiting this year.

Mrs Greenhouse estimated her husband had put up about 50 decorations, which took him four days and a weekend.

This year their new additions were Santa's legs peeping out of their chimney, a sleigh people can sit in, another Santa going up and down a ladder, a snow machine as well as reindeer on the side of the house.

The Grinch and a naughty elf also visited their home in Credenhill last weekend.

"I thought no-one would maybe show up this year but it was mad" Mrs Greenhouse said.

"There were loads of people here and in the end we blocked up the street for about an hour."

She said the hospice helped by creating sign directing people to the house and were very grateful for the money they have raised.

As for the electricity bill, she said they used a pre-payment meter and topped it up as they go.

"It's worth it," she said.

"It puts a smile on people's faces."

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