14th October 2011

COLYTON: Tree memorial for garden society founder

By Francesca Evans

MEMBERS of Colyton and District Garden Society remembered one of their co-founders, Anne Durham, on Saturday with a memorial tree planting.

A winter flowering cherry tree was planted at the Umbourne Bridge garden as a memorial to Mrs Durham, who died earlier this year.

Mrs Durham was co-founder for the society when it was ste up 19 years agao and also served as chairman for many years. Speaking at the memorial planting, current vice-chairman, Brian Nason, said members should all be grateful for the hard work she put into the society.

He added that it was particularly appropriate that the tree be planted at the Umbourne Bridge garden, as Mrs Durham had been fundamental in its organisation and planting in 2003.

Society member Malcolm Harmer also addressed the large crowd at the tree planting.

He said: “I couldn’t think of a more suitable memorial to Anne. She was a horticulturalist of some merit and nothing would have pleased her more, I am sure.”

Local garden designer and horticultural expert, Roger Platts, whose work Mrs Durham followed closely, then planted the cherry tree, which he also supplied.

A wooden plaque will be placed in front of the tree, marking its significance, soon.

PICTURE 1: IN MEMORY - A large crowd gathered to watch the tree planting in memort if Anne Durham

PICTURE 2: Horticultural expert Roger Platt plants the cherry tree

PICTURE 3: Vice-chairman Brian Nason said members should be grateful for the hard work Mrs Durham put into the garden society