Scores of well-wishers turned up to see trees being planted in The Avenue playing fields to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The planting last Wednesday (March 23) in spring sunshine was part of the Queen’s Green Canopy nationwide initiative.

It marks the monarch’s seven decades on the throne since she was crowned on June 2, 1953.

Petersfield Town Council owns and manages the playing fields and pavilion and encouraged local organisations, charities and schools to sponsor the planting of the commemorative trees.

Petersfield mayor Phil Shaw said: “Petersfield Town Council is keen to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and one of the events was the planting of sponsored trees alongside The Avenue playing field.

“In beautiful weather, I joined ten community organisations in planting their trees.

“I also took the opportunity to present certificates to the groups to mark the occasion, and I would like to thank the sponsors and all those involved.”

Petersfield u3a members were among the local organisations that each planted a semi-mature tree a tree.

They planted a European beech in the line of newly-planted semi-mature trees alongside The Avenue.

The line of trees stretches from The Avenue pavilion car park to the heath end of the playing fields.

Other groups also planting trees were The Petersfield School, Petersfield Infant School, Bedales School, Churcher’s College, Ditcham Park School, Petersfield Infant School, Petersfield Round Table, Petersfield Twinning Association, The Petersfield Society and the Winton Players.

Each tree was planted with two plaques; one showing the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee crest, the second with the name of the local sponsor, the tree species and planting date, and the supplying nursery.

n See next week’s Post for a picture special of the event.