Tree-planting ceremonies offer hope for the future
TO mark National Tree Week Councillor Frank Staples opted to sow trees in two locations which care for the needs of people at both ends of the age spectrum.
At Grantstown Daycare Centre he was joined by the centre’s oldest and youngest residents as he planted a tree in their peace garden.
‘ That’s where our residents would usually go to sit out and have a cup of tea. It’s lovely to get a new tree there,’ said Grace O’Sullivan.
Keeping a careful eye on proceedings were Nancy and Ann Kehoe.
‘Nancy is our oldest resident, she came out with her daughter Ann, who is our youngest resident. They live together here and Ann also volunteers in the centre, she’s a great help to us,’ explained Grace.
Cllr Staples then visited St Fintan’s National School in Mayglass where he planted a tree in its garden to mark recent developments there.
‘As Cllr Frank Staples has very strong links with our school and the local families, it was great to be able to mark the very welcome upgrade of the road and new footpath with the planting of a beautiful tree with him on the school grounds last week,’ said Principal Bernadette Leahy.
‘ The planting of the tree also marked the laying of the foundation of our new cycle parking facility, included in the village renewal funding, which will be a great addition to the school encouraging all pupils to cycle to school as we all await the development of the Rosslare Greenway which will link our catchment area from Killinick to Bridgetown.’
And Cllr Staples said these simple acts were about more than the mere planting of trees.
‘National Tree week is very important as it gives us all a purpose, sowing a tree is a sign of hope and better things to come and we all need that at the moment,’ said the councillor. ‘I sowed a tree in Grantstown Priory and Mayglass National School so it’s at both ends of the age spectrum because I think it’s important for all age groups to be involved.’