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Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy children joined local dignitaries including Mark Spencer MP and Bilsthorpe Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Ross Stoneman, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to plant a tree in her honour.
The tree is planted in pride of place in the centre of the gardens at Bilsthorpe’s Village Hall and is an ornamental white stemmed Birch called Snow Queen.
Cllr Ross Stoneman, Chairman of Bilsthorpe Parish Council said, “We have planted this tree today to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and to provide a focal point for local people to come and reflect on Her Majesty’s 70-year reign. We are pleased that so many people attended including our local scouts, members of the Parish Council and community, the local school and also Mark Spencer MP.”
Mark Spencer MP said he was pleased to join the occasion. “I am here to support the Bilsthorpe Parish Council and I think it is important to mark the Platinum Jubilee and to acknowledge what an important day that will be the diary. It’s great for the school children to be a part of this and to recognize Her Majesty’s amazing 70 years on the throne- after all, it’s unlikely any of us will ever witness anything like this again.”
Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy pupil, Sophie Newton, age 9 said, “We have been here today to plant a tree for the Queen. I have enjoyed being here and I think the tree is really special.” Fellow pupil Hugo Butcher age 10 agreed and said he thought the idea of a tree was a good way to mark the occasion, and good for the planet. He said, “Planting trees is important because it helps with oxygen levels and the environment. Also, they are good habitat for animals. I think this is a nice way to remember the day and planting a tree is always good for the environment too.”
Kate Bell Parish Clerk now has the honour of looking after the tree. “I will be staking the tree for support and taking care of watering until it is established. It will be a beautiful white stemmed birch and a fantastic place for visitors to take a photograph in years to come. We hope that the tree will thrive and be here for generations of people to come and see.”
Samantha Leek is Head Teacher at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy and said, “The children and I are so pleased to have been invited to attend this tree planting ceremony at Bilsthorpe Village Hall. I believe it is so important for the school and the local community to work in partnership to provide the best possible opportunities for all members of our wider community. This event further compliments our school curriculum to provide a real life and authentic experience for our pupils and helps our children to understand the significance of the Platinum Jubilee and the celebrations to come. We are grateful to have been a part of such an important event in our local community.”
