AN OAK tree has been planted at the American Gardens in Pontypool as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
The tree has been planted by the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, which aims to promote education, the arts, science and technology across Wales.
Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken, was on hand to plant the tree, while the High Sheriff of Gwent Phillip Alderman also attended a small planting ceremony on Friday.
Agnes Xavier-Phillips, from the livery company, said: “It’s a nationwide initiative. Everybody wants to partake in the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations. And because we’re a livery company, we wanted to partake.
“The whole green canopy and celebration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee is very much taken on by the Lord Lieutenant.
“We have a committee in North Wales, and they did one on Thursday [February 17].
“We chose to plant our one in South Wales here in Gwent, working with the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent.”
The Lord Lieutenant suggested speaking to landowner Jack Hanbury about finding a suitable place to plant the tree, Mrs Xavier-Phillips said.
“He said yes, do it in the American Gardens,” she said. “It’s a very nice location.”
“We were proud to support this and celebrate the Queen’s jubilee. It’s something for the community.”
“It’s lovely that the livery company is doing this,” said Brigadier Aitken. “There has never been a monarch who has served for 70 years in the history of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so we are alive at a really momentous time in history.
“It’s right that we should push the boat out and celebrate in every possible way, while keeping our fingers crossed throughout this year for the health of the Queen, and for the years to come.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here