Queen’s Green Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee
On Friday 6th May 2022, 17 trees were planted on St Mary’s Church Green, Burnham-on-Crouch to mark HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. 15 trees were made available through the Woodland Trust on an application by St Mary’s Parochial Church Council and the two were donated by local businesses.
The Vicar of Burnham Revd. Suzie Fryer welcomed the Rt. Hon. John Whittingdale MP, the Deputy Mayor, the local District Councillor and representatives of local organisations who were joined by pupils from St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Burnham Primary School and Ormiston Rivers Academy to assist in planting the trees. She pointed out that a French theologian in the 1800s had said blessed is he who plants a tree, knowing they shall never sit in its shade and she hoped that some of those present at the planting would be able to sit in the shade of the trees they were helping to plant.
Mr Whittingdale said that he was booked to be present at many Jubilee events during the next month but he was delighted that this was the first on his list. Mr Whittingdale then planted the first tree, an Oak which has such a special place in the history of this country. A representative from each school came forward and outlined the benefits that each variety of tree, Rowan, Hazel and Crab Apple would bring to the habitat and wildlife. The MP presented each school with a certificate acknowledging their part in the planting. After planting a tree on behalf of their school, the children assisted the older community representatives to plant their tree.
Revd. Suzie then dedicated and blessed the trees and people adjourned into the church for some refreshments.
St Mary’s PCC is very grateful to Mr Andy Sadler of the Limes Farm Shop for his assistance in looking after and planting the trees.
