Freemasons step up to support Remembrance with tree planting

A donation of £1,000 from Lincolnshire Freemasons has allowed Brigg Town Council to refresh the gardens around Brigg’s War Memorial after someone removed their earlier planting.

Brigg Town Mayor Penny Smith said: “It was wonderful to have the Freemasons call us, out of the blue, to offer support for our efforts with the War Memorial. We know the memorial means a lot to the community of Brigg, and the Freemasons’ backing shows they care about the community too.”

Brigg Town Council members had been keen to establish the most cost effective, sustainable, and manageable planting on the monument. Said Councillor Smith: “Following extensive research it was agreed that Winter Flowering Weeping Cherries would be suitable for this area. They are hardy, provide colour all year round, absorb pollutants, and are often used as a memorial tree to VJ Day with their Japanese heritage.

“The trees cost up to £200 each. We will install protective metal sheaths around them until they have become established.” Several tonnes of white quartz will cover the beds around the trees.

Provincial Communications Officer Stuart Pearcey said: “This is a fine example of the way Freemasons can engage with the communities in which we meet to make a difference to something held in high regard by a great many residents. We hope the trees will become part of a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world for a very long time to come.”