On Friday 11 March 2022, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire - Sally Burton, the Mayor of Stevenage - Cllr Sandra Barr, Mayoress - Louisa Barr, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council – Cllr Sharon Taylor as well as ward councillors - Cllr Richard Henry and Cllr Claire Parris took part in a tree planting ceremony at St Nicholas Orchard, Stevenage.

The event formed part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project - a National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) initiative where multiple councils across the country planted trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The day chosen was the 70th day of the year in which The Queen marks the 70th anniversary of her accession.

Cllr Sandra Barr, Mayor of Stevenage said, “The St Nicholas’ councillors are proud to have been the architects of the orchard and we are so pleased that the tree planted to mark the Queen’s Jubilee will be right here in our ward. I’m glad the weather held out for us as we celebrated this special moment together.”

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said, “I’m so pleased to be able to celebrate our monarch’s reign by planting this beautiful pear tree. We at the council look forward to future celebrations in June for Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee including lighting of the beacon, a big jubilee lunch, as well as individual street parties across the whole town.”

The tree planted on Friday was a Pyrus – also known as a pear tree and is a great addition to the St Nicholas Orchard.

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