The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, signalled the start of the borough’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at a special ceremony in Castle Park on Sunday, 6 February 2022.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, the Mayor planted a commemorative tree in the presence of councillors, High Steward Sir Bob Russell, Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Toler MBE DL, Lt Col E L Rankin AGC (ETS), Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, the council’s Chief Executive Adrian Pritchard, Friends of Castle Park, and members of the public.
A prime spot in Lower Castle Park, close to Putt in the Park and the bowling green, was chosen to plant the Quercus Robur 'Fastigiata’, a deeply lobed, glossy green leafed tree with foliage that turns golden brown in the autumn and is adorned with acorns, which are a welcome addition for wildlife.
The ceremony was the first of many civic and public events to be held across the borough in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – and in this case the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which invites people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, said: “The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are certain to be memorable and leave a lasting legacy in Colchester. The pandemic has been a very challenging time for us all and Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is the perfect opportunity for people to come together and celebrate this extraordinary milestone in our nation’s history.
“I was very honoured to plant a special oak tree as an enduring tribute to the Queen and in celebration of Her Majesty’s remarkable reign. It will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come and will stand proudly in our beautiful and award-winning Castle Park.”
A varied programme of Platinum Jubilee events has been planned across the borough, which will culminate in a national bank holiday weekend in June. These include flags in High Street, a Gun Salute in Castle Park, lighting of Castle Park Beacon, virtual museum displays, refurbishment of the bandstand and street parties.
Further details will be released over the coming months on the council’s website and social media platforms.
Pictured, L to R: Members of the Town Watch; Sir Bob Russell; Paul Lind, Town Serjeant; Brigadier Nick Cowley OBE, Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team; The Right Reverend Roger Morris, Area Bishop of Colchester; Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Toler MBE DL; the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson; Mayoress, Mrs Liz Davidson.
Page last reviewed: 8 February 2022