CLIFTON TREE SEAT CEREMONY
Last updated: Monday, 15th December 2014, 15:35
A magnificent new tree seat has been formally handed over to Clifton Parish Council thanks to the ladies of Clifton Women’s Institute and the generosity of Sir Anthony Winnington.
The circular wrought-iron seat at the top of Manor Road, made by local village blacksmith Oliver Marshall, was originally commissioned by past president Heather Hurley to mark the 50th anniversary of the Clifton WI last year. Fund raising activities and a contribution from the Parish Council got the project under w ay, and the eventual total cost of £750 was achieved with matching funding from Sir Anthony. Oliver Marshall designed and made the seat, charging only for the cost of the materials.
This year’s WI President, Penny Bowden, said she was delighted that her members had been able to mark their 50th anniversary with a project that would benefit the village as a whole. “Oliver has not just designed a seat; it is a work of art.”
The original seat that surrounded the lime tree was in memory of Gary Harris, a local resident who died in an accident at work, proved too small for the girth of the tree and has since been relocated on the children’s playground.