Mayor Helen plants a tree to mark Queen’s 60 years (From Gazette)

Mayor Helen plants a tree to mark Queen’s 60 years

8:30am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Local News By James Calnan

Mayor Helen Chuah plants a pin oak tree in Castle Park to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne

THE 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne was honoured by the great and the good of north Essex.

Colchester Mayor Helen Chuah yesterday planted a pin oak tree in a prime spot in Castle Park to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

She was joined by Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell and other dignitaries.

She said: “I am honoured to be planting this tree in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

“This tree will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come and will stand proudly in our beautiful and award-winning Castle Park.”

The celebrations continued with the unveiling of a new bench with an engraved plaque at the Monkwick Open Space.

The fields were officially renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields to mark a challenge to protect 2,012 outdoor recreational spaces from development by the end of the year.

Some Colchester playing areas, including Mile End Recreation Ground, have taken part in the challenge, while others are set to follow.

Tina Dopson, councillor responsible for communities, said: “Colchester has so much to be proud of and the dedication of this field will secure future enjoyment of our green spaces.”

Meanwhile, at County Hall in Chelmsford, Essex County Council chairman Rodney Bass was today due to lead a special tribute to mark the occasion.

At the start of the full council meeting, he is due to make a personal presentation of an official photograph of the Queen to hang in the council chamber. Mr Bass said: “This is an extraordinary milestone for the Queen and the nation, and I think everyone should celebrate it.”