Tree planted in memory of son

Rob and Anne Naylor can watch as the ornamental pear, Pyrus calleryana, blooms this spring.

It was dug in along the verge of Fernhurst Gardens after county tree officer, Mark Warwick, made special arrangements for the planting.

Mr and Mrs Naylor are pleased with the tree. 'It's just what we wanted,' said Mr Naylor.

Their son, Steven, died aged only 22 in 1984. Soon after his death, the couple planted a tree in his name outside the Chichester Festival Theatre where they had taken parties of friends and neighbours to matinees followed by a supper party at their home for many years.

Last year, 22 years after Steven's death, it was Mrs Naylor's ambition to have a tree planted in his memory outside the home she and her husband have lived in for six years after a move from Bognor Regis.

During the summer, their neighbours decided to replant the verges in Fernhurst Gardens with trees. Many of the specimens had been carried off by gales or were dead or dying from old age or disease.

The Aldwick Tree Group was born. Mr and Mrs Naylor joined in the fundraising which raised more than 800 in a few months.

However, before planting could begin, West Sussex County Council needed time to make the necessary arrangements. As this spring came into sight, the group realised they might have to wait for their trees until the autumn.

Mr and Mrs Naylor resigned themselves to the wait. However, group chairman Colin Crouch knew of their special reason for wanting the tree outside their house.

His letter to Mr Warwick brought a rapid response. Mr Crouch said the group shared Mr and Mrs Naylor's delight with the tree and hoped it would be the first of many on Aldwick's bare verges.

Anyone who shares the tree group's delight in trees is welcome to join. Life membership costs 5. It may be obtained through the secretary, Lawrence Holloway, on 01243 263623.