The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, will signal the start of the borough’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at a special ceremony in Lower Castle Park next week – and the public is invited to attend!
At 2pm on Sunday 6 February – the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne – the Mayor will plant 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, the Friends of Castle Park, and members of the public who wish to attend.
A prime spot close to Putt in the Park and the bowling green, in Lower Castle Park, has been 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 will be 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 proved 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 am honoured to be planting 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 the 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.
The red star in the image above shows approximate location where the Platinum Jubilee tree will be planted.
Page last reviewed: 28 January 2022