The Bishop of Carlisle has planted a tree as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Rt Rev James Newcome joined civic guests and pupils from St Herbert’s C of E primary for the planting which took place in the churchyard of Keswick St John, yesterday.

It forms part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which was launched last year to encourage people ‘to plant a tree for the jubilee’ to mark the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

Bishop James said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to be able to mark Her Majesty’s jubilee in such a special way and to publicly thank her for all her years of tireless and faithful service. I give thanks to God for her faith which continues to undergird all she does.

“It’s also wonderful for us all to be able to do our bit for the environment through the Green Canopy project and I’d urge churches, schools and community groups to all think about where they could plant a jubilee tree.”

After the planting Year Five pupils from St Herbert’s performed a special song ‘A Little Can Change Our World’.

The hornbeam sapling was provided by Buckingham Palace and is expected to grow to about 6 metres over the next 10 years. Bishop James was helped by his wife Alison who is a well-respected gardener and who tends the grounds of Bishop’s House in Keswick. Bishops in all the Church of England’s 42 dioceses have been invited to plant a tree as part of the celebrations.

The Rev Charles Hope, vicar of Keswick St John’s, said: “It’s wonderful that the tree has been planted in our churchyard. It represents a hope for us all, one that is especially needed at such a difficult time for our world.”

As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

ENDS

Notes for editors

For more information visit www.queensgreencanopy.org.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.