Memorial tree planted at Vale Royal Crematorium
A tree has been planted in the picturesque grounds of Vale Royal Crematorium in Cheshire to create a lasting memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.
A three-year-old Holm Evergreen Oak has been planted at the crematorium.
It is currently around seven feet tall but can grow up to around 40 feet (12 metres) when it reaches maturity.
Vale Royal Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, tranquil places for people to visit and reflect.
Site Manager Dave Haslam said: “We wanted something evergreen and grand, yet the Holm Oak can also be shaped and therefore kept to a good, manageable, size for our grounds.”
The tree has been planted alongside a Tommy silhouette and a Women of War silhouette.
Dave added: “We wanted to do something to acknowledge the loss of Queen Elizabeth II because she meant so much to so many people.
“To me, she represented hope in times of need, and I want this tree to be a symbol of hope for everyone who visits our site.
“The tree will be surrounded by tulips and daffodils. We chose these because of what they symbolise and also for the fact that they look great when they flower.
“Daffodils symbolise rebirth and hope, while tulips symbolise true love.
“We had originally planned to have a permanent display with the Tommy and Women of War silhouettes near one of our ash scattering areas.
“However, with the Queen’s passing in September, and our desire to plant a tree in her memory, it felt right to bring the two together.
“It seemed appropriate to plant a tree as a way of honouring the remarkable reign of Queen Elizabeth II because she planted more than 1,500 trees herself, all over the world, and had often spoken about the importance of trees to the future of the planet.
“We hope this tree will provide a focal point for anyone who wants to quietly pay their own respects to the Queen, while also acting as a symbol of hope and love.”