We completed Phase 1 of the creation of the WW1 Memorial Park on 11 December 2019 – 25 trees planted, supported and caged. On 16 January we moved on to Phase 2 – adding 21 more trees. In a winter of frequent rain and high winds we hit good weather for the third planting day running. Let’s hope our luck holds.
Once again we were ably supported by Will and Ollie from Bee Brook, contracted by Braintree District Council to transport the trees and associated equipment and take the lead in supporting and caging the trees once planted. We also had much appreciated help again from Aegon Ltd, in the shape of Becky and Alex this time, We have had help from various members of Aegon staff over the years and none of them has ever given less than their all or complained of the hard work or the mud. Becky and Alex certainly added their names to this roll of honour!
This time we also had the help of 10 students from Rickstones Academy. As we watched the group of 13 and 14 year olds approaching the site, we wondered among ourselves just how much help these young people were going be. We shouldn’t have worried. What the students lacked in bodily strength they more than made up for in effort and enthusiasm. Not only did they seem to be having a lot of fun but they really helped to get the job done. By the time they left after three hours’ hard work – leaving behind good memories and an eerie silence – all 21 holes had been dug and 13 trees were in the ground. Many thanks to the Rickstones All-Stars: Zach, Alfie, Madison, Jessica, Carter, Adam, Hadley, Christopher, Lewis and Louis; we couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks also to Lisa from Rickstones Academy who accompanied the students.
Becky and Alex had also had to leave us at this time, muddy but unbowed. After a quick break for lunch, we set to and finished planting the remaining trees and supporting and caging all those still unfinished. This time we did not abandon our valued colleagues Will and Ollie to finish the work. By 3 o’clock all the trees were planted, supported and caged and we limped off the site with a real sense of achievement. The Memorial Park now extends from Honeysuckle Way to Bramble Road and there is ample space to to insert the additional trees to complete the Park while leaving the great majority of this large area for the recreation of local residents.
We will be liaising with Braintree District Council to decide what further work should be undertaken in this planting season and we have had an encouraging discussion with Witham Town Council about the erection of signs explaining the the Park and its purpose. A new Witham landmark is well on the way.
Richard Hawkes
18 January 2020
