Planting fruit trees for the Jubilee
As the UK and Commonwealth prepares for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June 2022, events and initiatives throughout Abbeyfield are being taken part in. One of the initiatives which has captured the attention of Abbeyfield Fareham Society is The Queen's Green Canopy. This event encourages people to plant a tree to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.
As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy 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.
It was on the 16th March this year, that Abbeyfield Fareham Society chose to plant their trees and whilst the weather wasn't on their side they were thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Fareham to their house who got stuck in with the spade before enjoying a well-earned afternoon tea with the residents.
We caught up with Abbeyfield Fareham Trustee, Anne Daneshvar to find out more about the afternoon.
What type of tree, and how many did you plant?
"We chose to plant 4 fruit trees - pear, plum, eating apple and cooking apple - to celebrate HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We felt the trees would provide a permanent and sustainable tribute to the jubilee as well as helping the environment.
"Each spring around the Queen’s actual birthday the trees will blossom and hopefully provide fruit for the residents in later in the year. We thought that the residents could monitor the growth and enjoy using them in our weekly homemade menus."
Even though it was a bit of a wet day, how did the tree planting go?
"In the UK we're used to not being able to predict the weather, and a little bit of rain wasn't going to stop us. We decided that as it was such a unique occasion we would invite the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pamela Bryant to help us plant the trees. Both Pamela and our Senior Housekeeper Lorraine Miller planted the trees. In fact, Lorraine kindly donated the plum tree so it was only right she plant this one. As you can see from the photos both were being protected by umbrellas held by our chairman and treasurer.
"Two trustees and one member of staff have sponsored a tree each. Our gardeners donated compost and stakes so it as truly a family occasion."
What did you do after the tree planting?
"After the trees were comfortable and cost in their new home, we all headed into the sun room to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. The trustees donated cakes they had baked for the post planting celebration which were enjoyed by all.
"The residents had a lively conversation with the mayor and her daughter Louise, the mayoress. It was a happy event despite it being on a terribly wet afternoon.
"During the afternoon we learnt that it was 20 years ago on the Queen’s Golden Jubilee that Pamela Bryant as Mayoress of Fareham accompanied her husband to the official opening of a four room extension at Abbeyfield Fareham! It's amazing how these things come round again over time."
Stay tuned for more tree planting throughout the Abbeyfield Family in the coming months.