Louth pub thanks anonymous donors after Christmas tree theft

Victoria and Nigel Hopper's son, Rupert (10), with the original Christmas tree. (Photo: The Brown Cow)

The landlady of The Brown Cow in Newmarket, Louth, has thanked two anonymous donors for gifting her family two new Christmas trees - after their own tree was cruelly stolen in the middle of the night.

Victoria Hopper, who runs the pub alongside her husband Nigel, told the Leader that her family has received “amazing, overwhelming support” after their plight was shared on social media.

The post on The Brown Cow’s Facebook page this morning said: “Apparently, our Christmas Tree was so lovely that someone decided they would like it...

“(It was) stolen last night. We only cut it down and put it up on Sunday.

BEFORE: The original Christmas tree which was stolen overnight. (Photo: The Brown Cow)

“I’ve put Rupert on here as a reminder that they are not stealing from a faceless business, but a 10-year-old boy who is so excited for Christmas.”

However, within just one hour of the post being shared, not just one - but two - new Christmas trees had been delivered to the pub.

A follow-up post from The Brown Cow said: “Wow! Thank you whoever you are. Strawson Woodland Christmas Trees just dropped a replacement off, from an anonymous person.

“Thank you so much. Our Christmas spirit is restored. Thank you to everyone for all the lovely comments.”

AFTER: The scene this morning, when Victoria and Nigel discovered their tree had been stolen. (Picture: The Brown Cow)

Shortly afterwards, they added: “Thank you so much to the second person for anonymously having another tree delivered to us.

“We shall make them look beautiful. We’ve gone from being deflated and upset, to wonderfully overwhelmed with the supportive messages.”

Speaking to the Louth Leader this afternoon, Victoria said: “Our tree was stolen from the yard overnight, and we found out this morning.

“Who does that? It was a seven foot tall tree, and it was securely attached to the wall. We reported it to the police.

Pictures of the two new Christmas trees which have arrived at The Brown Cow today. (Photo: The Brown Cow)

“We’re not sure why someone decided to steal it. It must be because it was such a lovely tree!

“Although the pub isn’t open, we still made an effort (to put up the Christmas tree). It’s our family home too.”

Victoria continued: “We were already feeling deflated, with everything else that’s going on at the moment and not being able to reopen the pub.

“But we have had such amazing, overwhelming support from everyone - and we’ve now got two new trees, but we don’t know who from!

“It would be lovely to thank them, but we respect the fact they’ve chosen to stay anonymous.

“It has given us a bit of Christmas spirit, and turned the awfulness into loveliness!”

“The response from everyone has been so fantastic, and we will now focus on decorating both of the new trees.”

Although the pub is currently unable to allow customers into the building, Victoria and Nigel have been providing a collection and delivery service since the first lockdown earlier this year. Visit The Brown Cow’s Facebook page or call 01507 605146 for more information.