More villages get ‘WWI oak trees’

by | Sep 18, 2014 | Featured Slider, News

A project to plant trees in the Longridge area in memory of First World War heroes is continuing.

Under the scheme trees will be planted in all 35 parishes of the Ribble Valley to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War.

Oak trees had been planted in 21 parishes and last weekend saw a further six put in place. The trees bear plaques in memory of the hundreds of young men from the Ribble Valley who lost their lives during the war.

Last Friday Chipping became the latest recipient when a memorial tree was planted next to village hall.

Last month, a dove tree was planted in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle by the Mayor
of the Ribble Valley, Coun Michael Ranson, who lost a great-uncle in the war.

He said: “We are all connected to the First World War through our family history, the fallen in our local communities or its long-term impact on society.

“I am honoured and humbled to be leading this tree planting campaign to remember Ribble Valley’s fallen during my year as mayor.”

As Ribble Valley did not exist until 1974, precise records of the number of fallen do not exist, but it is believed to be around 1,000.

Everyone is welcome to attend the plantings and further details are available online at www.ribblevalley.gov.uk.

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