Thanks to Bembridge Parish Clerk, Emma Goldring, for this latest report. Ed
HM Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White CB CBE JP planted the first tree, which is one of the Steyne Seedlings raised by Sir John Thorneycroft in 1893.
Sir John Thornycroft gave the land at Jubilee Gardens to the Parish of Bembridge where our war memorial stands today. Although 46 names are listed on the war memorial there were some men who had family connections with Bembridge or were stationed in Bembridge who gave their lives for King and Country. By the end of the war in 1918 the village had 43 of its young men killed and many came home injured.
Remembering the fallen
The Royal British Legion planted the second Steyne Seedling tree.
Bembridge Primary Schools Deputy Head Teacher and four children planted the third tree, Isle of Wight Russet.
Mr Mike Foreman Bembridge Scouts Leader planted the fourth tree, a Bembridge Beauty.
Cllr Gordon Kendall Vice Chairman of Bembridge Parish Council planted the fifth tree, Bembridge Beauty. There is also a beautiful engraved bench for people to take a few moments for quiet reflection. The orchard provides a living memory to commemorate the fallen.
A short service and blessing was conducted by Priest Linda Bushell at St Lukes Chapel following the planting.
