Community Magazine Serving the Residents of Westdean, Tongdean, Withdean and Patcham

And it was goodbye to them...

Toast the Trees to celebrate the last Saturday of the twin elms’ long lives was a rainy evening. Despite this deterrent about 200 marvellous residents still came down to gather near the trees, formally give thanks and say goodbye. It was a fantastic evening…even during the rainy bit…the esteem and love people had for the trees was clear. Sharing the sadness at their loss was helpful. Rev Lisa Jackson led a truly beautiful service. The Patcham Silver Band was superb. The exhibition of photographs was very popular too. The evening ended with The Last Post and as the trumpeter played leaves fluttered down. Thank you to everyone who came along and made the evening so memorable.

Please send any photos you have of the trees, the ceremony or their felling to add to the exhibition about the history of Patcham.

…The following Wednesday the trees came down.

BUT there was a great deal of support there for another ceremony to give the new baby elms a great big welcome, we’ll try and pick a dry day this time!

The blessing of the new trees will be during the autumn. Watch The Post for news.