Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Memorial tree unveiled for Queen Elizabeth II at Newbury Racecourse




West Berkshire Council has planted a tree to commemorate the country's longest reigning monarch.

At 11am yesterday (Monday), the Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley, and West Berkshire Council chairman, Rick Jones, planted a tulip tree at Stroud Green in Newbury — in the presence of various dignitaries, Thames Valley Police, Greener Greenham and the Newbury Weekly News — to honour Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

A tulip tree was chosen as this was said to have been the Queen's favourite tree. Its location is also significant, close to Newbury Racecourse where Her Majesty's keen fondness for horses became clear through multiple visits during her reign, including one to unveil the Berkshire Stand in 1992.

Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley, left, and West Berkshire Council chairman, Rick Jones, unveiling the commemorative plaque.
Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley, left, and West Berkshire Council chairman, Rick Jones, unveiling the commemorative plaque.

The tree was planted using special soil improver produced by Veolia, using flowers laid by the public in tribute to the Queen after her death back in September.

Mr Jones said: "Everyone in West Berkshire was greatly saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II back in September.

"In addition to our Thanksgiving event that took place on November 4, we feel that the planting of a beautiful tulip tree is a way of creating a lasting legacy to the memory of the late Queen. It is our way to pay tribute and give thanks for Her Majesty's many years of dedicated service."

Various dignitaries attending Her Late Majesty's memorial tree unveiling, including Thames Valley Police and the Newbury Weekly News
Various dignitaries attending Her Late Majesty's memorial tree unveiling, including Thames Valley Police and the Newbury Weekly News
Various dignitaries attending Her Late Majesty's memorial tree unveiling. From left to right, Newbury Mayor, Gary Norman; Thatcham Mayor, Jeff Brooks; Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley; West Berkshire Council chairman, Rick Jones, and Newbury Racecourse CEO, Julian Thick
Various dignitaries attending Her Late Majesty's memorial tree unveiling. From left to right, Newbury Mayor, Gary Norman; Thatcham Mayor, Jeff Brooks; Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley; West Berkshire Council chairman, Rick Jones, and Newbury Racecourse CEO, Julian Thick

Mr Puxley said: "The planting of one of our late Queen's favourite trees at a venue close to a racecourse she visited frequently is a lovely and very loyal gesture by West Berkshire Council. We all look forward to seeing this tree grow and flourish in memory of our much loved monarch."

The unveiling ceremony included readings and a one minute's silence
The unveiling ceremony included readings and a one minute's silence
New plaque unveiled to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II
New plaque unveiled to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II

Thatcham mayor, Jeff Brooks, added: "It's a nice event and a good looking tree and I'm delighted to be a part of it. I think we should mark the Queen's passing with something as the district council, and I hope some of the parishes and town councils will do something as well.

"We've got our own project going on in Thatcham that we're looking to launch in May to commemorate the Queen's reign."



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More