Our final commemorative tree planting took place on Friday morning, just opposite the Chapel by the path leading to the tennis courts. In glorious sunshine, our Queenswood staff led by Mrs Cameron and the incoming Head Girl and Senior Prefect Team, gathered to reflect on The Queen’s seventy year reign and to plant an English Oak tree as a lasting reminder of her legacy.

They were joined by Queenswood’s longest-serving member of staff, Michael Crowther, who has been tending our beautiful gardens for nearly 50 years.

Reverend Vindra, School Chaplain, read from Isaiah Chapter 55 Verse12 and then led the Queenswood community in prayer. The prayer she recited is traditionally used when trees are planted and was most fitting for this contemplative occasion.

You shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55.12

God our creator, by your gift the tree of life was set at the heart of the earthly paradise. As we plant this tree to remind us of our Queen’s long and loyal service, fill our hearts with the joy of the salvation which your Son Jesus Christ won for us on the cross, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever.

Amen.