From thousands of sprigs of holly to thousands of pounds for good causes, one family’s festive tradition is a reminder of what Christmas is really about.

For more than a decade, florist Bob Hendley and his family have been organising Christmas wreath workshops in Billingley village to give back to the community, raising more than £20,000 for good causes.

It all began 12 years ago when, having returned to South Yorkshire in retirement to be closer to his grandchildren, Bob was asked by his daughter to run a small wreath-making evening for village friends. 

One little idea blossomed into a much-loved annual tradition, now welcoming around 60 people to Billingley Village Hall each December. The sessions are so popular that they are usually fully booked almost as soon as details are announced in August, with 99 percent of attendees returning year after year.

Before the first wreath is made, there are countless hours of painstaking work that go into preparing for the event. Bob gathers an astonishing 4,000 pieces of holly, 650 teasel heads, 350 fir cones and 650 poppy heads, with almost everything grown or gathered within three miles of the village, making each wreath a little piece of the local countryside.

The family charges £35 for the workshop which includes a Prosecco welcome plus mince pies, cakes and a cuppa midway through.

Over the years, the event has raised thousands of pounds for charities and community groups and this year they expect to give at least £1,300 to good causes.

Among those benefiting is the Barnsley care leavers’ Christmas dinner, which gives young people the chance to share a special day with others who understand their experiences.

The event also supports Bramley Sunnyside Juniors football team, helping young players with essential equipment and kit. 

This year, Bob has also chosen to donate to Barnsley Youth Choir whose dedicated volunteers provide valuable opportunities for children across the region. The choir recently celebrated becoming two-time world choir champions following a performance in Sweden.

Since retiring as a florist 14 years ago, lifelong dahlia grower Bob has also raised money by selling the RHS-registered names of dahlias he has bred.