Club plants an oak to mark its golden jubilee

An oak tree has been planted at the Brocks Hill Environmental Centre to mark the 50^th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Oadby.

It was planted by club president David Knight with other members taking turns with the shovel. But the hard work — digging the hole — had been done by Brocks Hill Country Park Ranger Nick Hague.

The tree was generously donated by James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Ltd which is celebrating its centenary. Managing Director James Coles said the tree was probably about five years old and by the time the Rotary Club celebrates its anniversary, it should be an impressive feature of the park.

A plaque supplied by Oadby firm EAS points towards the environment centre patio so it can be seen by diners using the picnic tables.

Click here to hear David

Click here to hear Peter

For Peter Bliss, who has been the club's environment officer for several years, the planting of this tree for future generations to enjoy is just the latest in a series of collaborations with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council which have helped win awards.

In fact shortly after Brocks Hill Country Park opened in 2001 the Rotary Club raised funds to plant hundreds of oak, ash, birch, elm, field maple, hazel, black poplar, yew, and wild cherry trees in what Oadby and Wigston Borough Council agreed would be known in perpetuity as the Rotary Club of Oadby Wood.

To celebrate its 21st anniversary, in 1984 the club planted 21 trees in Ellis Park. Sadly, not all survived, so to protect the new tree, which is currently about 12 feet high, the club bought a very sturdy guard.