The Devon launch of a national project to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 took place at an Exeter primary school on Tuesday 12 October with a ceremonial tree planting.
The Queen’s representative in Devon, the Lord-Lieutenant David Fursdon, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lady Arran, presented a Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer, also known as a Chanticleer Pear, to Wynstream Primary School in Exeter.
The tree was accepted by head teacher Gill Brown and school governors Peter Vickery and Poppy Daly.
The school is the first in our administrative area to be presented with a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee year.
Leading up to the tree planting, children from the school sang songs, recited poems and performed stories for the visiting dignitaries, including Sir Henry Studholme, past chair of the Forestry Commission; Councillor Trish Oliver, the Lord Mayor of Exeter and her Consort Mr Robert Oliver and Exeter City Priory Ward Councillor Tony Wardle.
Other guests were Councillor Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, Father Andrew Johnson, Dawn Stabb, our Head of Education and Learning, Philip Jenkinson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and former school staff member Angela Redmond.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) invites organisations and communities across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” during the official planting season between October and March.
The aim of the QGC is to create a sustainable project that will benefit future generations. It is hoped as many people as possible will have the opportunity to plant a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations across Devon.
As well as inviting the planting of new trees, the project will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon said:
“I am honoured to have been invited to Wynstream Primary School to present this tree. When this tree matures in 20 years’ time it will be the children of the pupils here today who will be playing underneath it.
“Trees are a symbol of hope for the future and trees like this will benefit many generations to come.”
The Head Teacher of Wynstream Primary School, Mrs Gill Brown, said:
“I want to thank the Lord Lieutenant for presenting this tree.
“I hope that trees like this will inspire the children and help them understand the importance of the natural environment as they will be the future custodians of our green spaces, forests and woodlands.”
For more information, please visit the Green Canopy website.