Harrogate tree-planting initiative begins in memory of Captain Tom

To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and to honour Captain Tom, trees have been planted at a Harrogate Army Base.

The trees were planted by junior soldiers in March
Author: Gemma LaversPublished 18th May 2021
Last updated 18th May 2021

In launch of the Royal Green Campaign, six magnolia trees have been planted at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College (AFC) in memory of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The campaign sees new trees planted to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

Magnolia trees in the Harrogate-based Army base are a fitting tribute to Captain Tom, who was the Honorary Colonel of the college before his passing at the age of 100 earlier this year.

In the next couple of weeks, staff and soldiers at the college will continue to add to the set of trees by adding memorial plaques honouring Captain Tom.

Junior soldiers from the Army base were on hand to help plant the trees as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative to help everyone learn more about the best way to plant trees so they will flourish in the future.

From October, people across the UK will be encouraged to “Plant a tree for the Jubilee.”

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC said: "Everyone at Army Foundation College is delighted to be playing our part in the Queen’s Green Canopy. It’s a wonderful way of celebrating Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to the nation and enhances the environment for everyone here in Harrogate.

"The tree has been planted at the gateway to ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore Walk’, in the centre of the College, so is in a really special place where it will be seen by everyone who visits. We hope that others will follow the example of the Junior Solders, grab a spade, and plant their own tree in a place special to them."

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