As one of only 300 or so organisations across the UK chosen to receive a tree from the huge tree sculpture created for Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, The Fed were immensely proud to give a home to this living legacy of the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth ll, in the grounds at heathlands Village.
The Tree of Trees project is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative which aims to “celebrate the diverse communities that come together for the benefit of all, often using the natural environment to improve health and wellbeing”.
Karan Lee DL gave a speech at the ceremony which included words from the late Queen about the project.
Chairman, Bernie Yaffe’s speech included an extract of Tony Walsh’s poem ‘Not Alone’ commissioned by The Fed during lockdown: its moving verses describing a community putting down roots and flourishing for centuries to come felt particularly apt. Also in attendance was The Mayor of Bury and Councillor, Shaheena Haroon along with chief executive, Mark Cunningham, who gave his own tribute.
The honour is especially timely as The Fed’s successful Heathlands in Bloom project has recently finished its first cycle. This initiative has given people living at the Village regular involvement in gardening and has seen them benefit from being outdoors and active. Volunteers, residents and staff who took part in Heathlands in Bloom were also photographed with The Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant.
