Inauguration of new ‘Big Tree’

FORMER Head Girl Evelyn

Surman formally ‘launched’ the new Big Tree seating area at an informal ceremony on 17th April. The tree was kindly provided by Evelyn’s parents in support of the Global Tree Planting Project launched by Cambridge University’s Newnham College, where Evelyn is currently studying.

“This area we are in today has been known as Big Tree Yard for many years, though the big sycamore there had been around much longer,” said OAS chairman Walter Raleigh.

“The tree was first recorded in 1859 at the 250th celebrations of the Royal Charter and it was possibly at least 50 years old then. So when it was sadly cut down in 1997 it was probably over 200 years old and had lived through the Battle of Waterloo, the death of Nelson at Trafalgar and even the introduction of Income Tax.

“So today we have a new tree and a new seating area and we hope that both will last as long as their predecessors.

“I should like to thank all those who generously donated towards the cost, Chris West for designing the seating, Paul Greenaway who did the building work, Alison Hardwick and Keith Crawshaw who helped co-ordinate the project financially and premises manager Tony Hyland, who kept the project alive throughout very difficult ‘Safeguarding’ times. It was a great team effort.”

Cutting the ribbon, Evelyn Surman said how great it was to be back at King James’s, which she had left in 2019 to take up her studies, via Greenhead College, at Newnham College. “The College recently celebrated its 150th anniversary by launching its Tree Planting Project, and I hope that the newly-planted ‘Big Tree’ here at King James’s will serve to strengthen links between our institutions.” l A short video of the ceremony can be seen on our website at oas.org.uk/videopage.php