Coronation tree to be planted next week

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has announced that a commemorative tree will be planted in Dolerw Park to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The planting event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 31st January, and will not only be a momentous occasion for the town but for the entire county of Powys.

The selection of Newtown as the location for the 'Coronation Tree for Powys' is a great honor bestowed upon the town by the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Tia Jones.

The tree will stand as an official commemoration of King Charles III's coronation and symbolize the enduring connection between Newtown and its rich natural heritage. The chosen tree is a cutting from Newtown's iconic 350+ year old Black Poplar, which was a finalist in the Woodland Trust Wales Tree of the Year competition in 2019.

The planting ceremony is set to take place on 31st January 2024 at 11:00am in Dolerw Park, Newtown. The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs. Tia Jones, will have the honor of planting the tree, joined by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Tony Evans, Chair of Powys County Council Cllr Beverley Baynham, Mayor of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Cllr John Byrne and Open Newtown CEO Stuart Owen.

Dolerw Park, known for its protection under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields initiative, holds great significance for the Newtown community.

The park's commitment to preserving green spaces for the well-being of residents aligns perfectly with the planting of the Black Poplar. It will serve as a lasting tribute to King Charles III's coronation and enhance the park's landscape.

"We are honored to have the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs. Tia Jones, officiate this historic planting. This tree, as a living testament to our town's enduring history, will be accompanied by a plaque and guard, becoming a focal point in Dolerw Park," expressed the Lee Davies, Operations Manager at the Town Council.

The event is open to all members of the community, and Newtown encourages residents to participate in this moment of cultural and historical significance.

Photo: Ben Wolf (used with permission)