The holly tree outside the front of the Bircham Centre had been looking peaky for some time; sadly, it was diseased and dying. Following confirmation from the Town Council and tree surgeons, the decision was taken to arrange its removal. This took place on 23 May.
We will be leaving the space clear for some time while we carry out the repairs that are needed to that part of the roof, giving room for scaffolding when required. However, once the repairs have been completed, we will be replacing it with a new specimen tree in a pot. Using a pot will ensure that its roots don’t affect the foundations of the building or its drainage systems.
The new tree is to be an Amelanchier, which has a number of common names including Shadbush and Juneberry. It will have star-shaped blossom in spring, followed by leaves that are copper-coloured when they first appear, change to green in full summer then to red in the autumn. It provides fruit in the form of small black berries, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
We are very grateful to John Palmer who has funded the new tree in memory of his late wife, Brenda Palmer. Brenda was a long-time advocate of the Bircham Centre and spent many hours inside the building as a trustee, administrator of the 200 club and one of the founders of the Knit and Natter Group.
