Avenue of trees to mark war heroes
It is 100 years since end of First World War
A walk down an Avenue of Remembrance to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War has taken a step closer thanks to huge donations and hard work.
Shaun Cardwell and his fellow members of the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust launched their ambitious plan to plant 100 trees in the village in January.
They have since raised £35,000 and the scheme, labelled Project 100, is just weeks away from beginning.
Mr Cardwell, director of the Meadows Trust, said: “The first phase was to raise £35,000 so we could get the project off the ground and we have achieved that through crowdfunding and we have had grants of £15,000 from Tesco and £9,990 from the Lottery. “
Work to reseed the pathway at the plot of land off Culpeper Close has started as the Meadows Trust teams up with the Royal British Legion branch in Leeds and Hollingbourne.
Phase two includes a £20,000 fundraising target to help pay for fencing and signage to thank the sponsors behind the donations. A long-term goal of £250,000 in total has been set with a view to handing a big cheque over to the Royal British Legion.
Mr Cardwell said: “There will be four sections with 25 trees in each and they are going to be Hawthron trees and then there will be oak trees or silver birch in the circle of peace in the middle.
“People can walk up and down and the trees will be for sale for anyone who has lost a loved one in any of the wars.
To find out more about Project 100 or to donate to the scheme visit tinyurl.com/proj100