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.
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."
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."
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."