The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and which invites people from across the UK to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. From 1 October, the Queen’s Green Canopy also provides for a virtual commemorative plaque option for those who have planted trees to upload their Jubilee trees to the Queen’s Green Canopy MAP and become part of the digital legacy of green canopy projects to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – BPARA’s tree will be one of them.
BPARA planted an oak tree on Church Green to commemorate HM Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and an elm tree in Bletchley Park to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Both of these are now well established and you may wonder why plant this tree now and not in June – experts advised that October to March is the best time to plant a tree, so we are a little bit late!
Chris Simpson, BPARA Life President and former Chair and Secretary, is pleased that we are continuing this tradition by planting a magnolia tree in the former rose bed on Church Green, which was previously a pond. This has been made possible due to the excellent work on this area carried out by Brenda Hart, West Bletchley Sheds (formerly Men in Sheds) and Bletchley Lions, plus support from Simon Rose at WBC. Brenda and her team, including Robin Patching, Bletchley Sheds and Santander, were responsible for the excellent restoration of the Community Sensory Garden. Many hours were spent on clearing and preparing the ground for the tree-planting, and, in particular, Jim Razey from Bletchley Sheds, who has been the main contributor and invaluable support – Jim is a star!
The magnolia tree is only the first planting in this area and will be followed with plants and shrubs purchased by donations from the Royal British Legion and West Bletchley Ward Councillor, Mo Imran. The Wartime Soldier will also relocate to this area. West Bletchley Council Chair, Veronica Belcher, and Angie Ravn-Aagaard, BPARA Chair, assisted by Jim Razey, planted BPARA’s tree, marked by a commemorative plaque, kindly donated by Bletchley Sheds.
After the planting, members and visitors enjoyed a cuppa in nearby St Mary’s Church Hall.
