Tree from the Late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is Planted in Bolton in Honour of Fortalice

15/03/2023

Linda and Diane planting the tree at Bolton Parish Council

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee marked a monumental moment in British history. One of the trees which marked part of a breathtaking sculpture in celebration of the event has been planted in Bolton.

On the grounds of Bolton Parish Council, the Rowan sapling was planted on behalf of local domestic abuse charity Fortalice; who is celebrating its 45-year anniversary this year. At the University of Bolton, we are proud to show our support.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton announced: “The University of Bolton’s engineers have crafted this spade and we arranged for Harry Collins, the official Crown Jeweller, to silver plate and engrave as a mark of this special occasion.”

After spending its summer being cared for in a tree nursery in Cambridgeshire, the sapling was displayed at the end of The Mall in June as part of the late Queen’s Green Canopy Scheme to celebrate her incredible 70 years on the throne.

The sapling was part of a ‘Tree of Trees’, a tall sculpture made up of 320 smaller trees. It was
Her Majesty’s wish that they be split up and distributed across the country in support of the aim to encourage communities to plant trees. Every country was allocated a number, and Greater Manchester received 12.

University of Bolton Vice-Chancellor Presenting Silver Spade to Diane Hawkins

The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB and the Deputy Mayor of Bolton, Counsellor Linda Thomas had the honour of planting Bolton’s tree. Speaking in pride at having the honour to plant the seeds, they said:

“We are delighted that Fortalice was nominated as the chosen charity for this very special tree planting. We obviously couldn’t plant it at the refuge, so we are extremely grateful to you for letting us place it at the Parish Church, alongside a bench donated by the council”.

She added: “I would like to thank the Parish Church and Bolton Council for their tremendous support and a special thank you to the University of Bolton and its Vice-Chancellor, Professor George E. Holmes DL for their endless support for Fortalice. I don’t know where we would be without you.”

Hulme Lecturer and Associate Priest Ian Hepburn said a prayer to bless the tree: “We pray for all the staff at Fortalice and all the individuals and organisations who have partnered with us. May this tree be a symbol of the resilience and spirit of so many.”

Gill Smallwood MBE, Chief Executive of Fortalice, said: “It’s a huge honour to be nominated and recognised for the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative in recognition of the work we do with victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

“We can all share in the tree’s beauty as we watch it flourish and grow.”

-->