25 October 2022
Residents of Knowle Village were joined by District Deputy Mayor, Councillor Angela Clear, to plant a new tree in memory of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Knowle Residents’ Association and the development’s property manager, FirstPort, welcomed the local community to the ceremony.
The event involved children from a nearby school, in tribute to the late monarch’s life and 70-year reign, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.
Cllr Clear joined pupils from Wickham Primary school to begin the tree planting. Joined by representatives of the parish council and other community groups, residents witnessed the planting of a Joseph Rock Rowan Tree, chosen for its creamy white flowers in spring, followed by autumn crimson foliage.
Loraine Rappé, Chair of the Knowle Residents’ Association, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the local community to honour, remember and celebrate the 70-year reign of our late Queen Elizabeth II.
“At the very beginning of the Queen’s Green Canopy, the then Prince Charles said ‘Planting a tree is a statement of hope and faith in the future’. We’re proud to unveil this new addition to our beautiful, historic community, which we sincerely hope will thrive and contribute colourful berries for birds in the spring and have contrasting autumn colours.“
Knowle Village is rich in history, having started its life as Knowle Manor with a farm and cottages, before its conversion into a psychiatric hospital in 1852. The hospital was also known for its beautifully landscaped grounds, and at its peak, cared for up to 1,000 patients, serving the community for over 140 years.
Tim Cox, Development Manager at FirstPort, said:
We are proud to support the Knowle Residents’ Association, in taking part in the Queen’s Green Canopy, which continues to celebrate her late Majesty’s historic reign, whilst also paying a fitting tribute in her memory.
“It was wonderful to see so many friends and neighbours come out to support this event. The new tree will be a beautiful addition to the space, as well as being beneficial to local wildlife and we look forward to enjoying it in the years to come.”
The Queen’s Green Canopy began as a nationwide initiative, which invited community groups to plant trees to mark her late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year. With the new planting season commencing shortly after the Queen’s passing, at the request of His Majesty, The King, the initiative will now continue throughout the current season, until March 2023.
