A COMMUNITY gardening group has planted an oak tree to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
After months of secret planning, volunteers at Beck Bottom Community Garden in Hensingham surprised one of its founding members, Donald Messenger, who had the honour of planting the oak tree (Quercus Robur) on Saturday.
Don, 85, who was joined by his wife Pat, family and members of the group, also unveiled a specially engraved plaque for the occasion.
Lynne Todhunter, of Beck Bottom Community Garden Group, said: “We would like to thank Don for all his hard work over the years, he is an inspiration to us all.
“Hopefully the Oak Tree will be there for hundreds of years to come.”
Don said: “I knew they were going to plant a tree for the coronation but I didn’t know anything more.
“It’s a long time since we had a king. It’s right that we commemorate it. The oak tree and plaque are going to be there for many years to come.“
The group started four years ago following a litter pick when volunteers collected around 21 bags of rubbish.
They decided to create a small flower bed, hoping this would encourage the community to come and enjoy the area.
From those early days, Beck Bottom has flourished into an area of beauty, with three flowerbeds, wildflower areas, 21 trees planted and two lawn areas.
Don said: “It’s just like a family. I can’t praise the volunteers enough. They are out in all weathers and they work their socks off. They are outstanding.
“It’s not for us. It’s for the community. We want to encourage young people to get involved to keep it going for many years.
“We want the community to come and sit and enjoy nature at its best. There are two benches there for people to rest and enjoy the sunshine and thank God for his beauty.”
This Saturday, members of the group will be planting red, white and blue wildflowers around the oak tree as a coronation feature for Cumbria in Bloom.
If anyone is interested in volunteering (no gardening knowledge required) they meet up on Saturday mornings at 10am – everyone is welcome.
For more information e-mail: beckbottomcgg@gmail.com or join the Beck Bottom Community Garden Group Facebook page.
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