A special afternoon at Chaucer Junior School.

We have planted two precious cherry trees at our socially distanced planting ceremony.

The first tree, which is our 'Remembrance Tree', was very kindly donated to us a few weeks ago by Shipley Garden Centre for the RHS #RootsOfRemembrance memorial tree planting programme. It is to recognize and remember those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. All the trees planted in the country can be placed on a virtual map created by the RHS displaying all the trees that have been planted for loved ones. I would like to thank Maggie Throup MP for coming along today to plant this tree with us. Maggie is an active member of the RHS and a keen gardener who always supports our schools projects.

The second tree is part of the Sakura Schools Derbyshire project and is our 'Tree of Hope'. I applied for the tree a couple of years ago, but due to COVID, everything naturally stopped. I heard again a few weeks ago to say the project was still going ahead, which we was so happy about. The Sakura project (2019-2020), was to mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture. It is now celebrating the friendship of the two countries and exploring each others cultures. It is hoped thousands of Japanese Sakura trees will be planted across the UK. The project is also connected to Derbyshire County Council. This tree has been very kindly planted for us with the help of Councillor Tony King, who is the elected member for Ilkeston West and the Chair of the Toyota City Partnership Board for the project. 

I would like to thank all who came to our little, socially distanced ceremony, including the children of Chaucer who beautifully read the two poems out, one for each tree. Our Remembrance poem was written by Mrs Faulks and some of Year 6 and our 'Poem of Hope' was written by my dear husband, Derek, thank you to them all. Thank you to Maggie Throup MP and Cllr. Tony King for their assistance in planting our trees and supporting our lovely school.

Thank you also to Shipley Park Garden Centre and their manager Simon for donating our 'Remembrance Tree' and to Sakura Schools (DCC) for our 'Tree of Hope'. Thank you to Embark leader Matthew Crawford for being with us today. Last but not least, thank you to my gardener friend Steve for his expert help with the planting and advice.

This afternoon has shown us there is always hope, but also that those who have lost their loved ones to COVID will never be forgotten! Mrs Wheatley  

#RootsOfRemembrance #JapanUKSakura  

For more photos of the ceremony please look in SCHOOL GALLERY.