IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Hempstead Lane, SITTINGBOURNE, ME9 9BJ

Small car park used by dog walkers and families visiting the pond.

The leaves of this small shrub, sometimes called the Snowball tree, are like those of the maple. Bright green in the spring, they mellow to rich orange and russet in autumn, setting off the translucent scarlet berries. These, for all their ripe beauty, are bitter, but birds eat them. The guelder rose grows in all parts of the British Isles. It is a plant of moist hedgerows and the edges of woodland, and grows to between 6 feet and 15 feet tall.

See Image

As result of the heavy overnight rains and waterlogged ground. Cornus alba shrubs (bright red stems) behind.

This path leads West from the car park.

The plaque with this tree reads "This Oak Tree is dedicated to the Men and Women of the Mercantile Marine who gave their lives in the cause of Peace, in two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. We thank them for all their sacrifices made in our name". A Sailors Epitaph poem follows. "On all the Oceans, white caps flow. You do not see crosses row on row, For those that sleep beneath the Sea, Rest in Peace; for your Country's Free". "This tree is donated for this Memorial by Mr Frank Marsh in memory of his wife Gracie Marsh".

A path leads around the boundary of this young woodland near Bapchild. Popular with dog walkers.

This tree is the only one of the seven memorial trees in this avenue that has died. Hopefully it will be replaced, with a living tree soon. The plaque with the tree is divided into two sections. The 1st section reads "1944 - 2004. In this the 60th Anniversary year of the battle of Arnhem this plaque is dedicated to the Courage Sacrifice and Suffering of the people of Arnhem during those fateful days in September 1944. They alone with God, are the guardians of all those gallant men of the 1st Airborne Division who paid the supreme sacrifice and rest in Oosterbeek Cemetery. The bond of friendship formed in those dark days will last forever "Each year the leaves of Autumn shed, upon the likeness of my friend" Dedicated on 8th May 2004 The Parachute Regimental Association, Sittingbourne Branch." The 2nd Section reads "The Arnhem Oak. This tree was brought from the Town of Arnhem and planted here to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of 'Operation Market Garden' which took place in September 1944. It is dedicated to the memory of all the men of the 1st Airborne Division and all those who took part in the battle and to those of them to whom it was called upon to pay the Supreme Sacrifice and now rest in Oosterbeek Cemetery, Holland. 'Theirs is the Glory' None Shall Be Forgotten. Dedicated on Saturday 8th May 2004. The Parachute Regimental Association, Sittingbourne Branch."