On Monday, 27th June 2022 members of the parish council visited the Royal British Legion Industries factory at Aylesford along with fellow resident and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Mr Jools Holland, to collect four Jubilee plaques made by veterans to commemorate the Queen's Green Canopy campaign. 

The parish council wished to make a long-lasting tribute to Her Majesty and one that would not only benefit the residents for years to come but be good for the environment and so decided to plant a tree.

The campaign to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee' involved research into a suitable tree species and the area it could be planted. As the research continued it was felt that in honour of the Queen's seventy years on the throne, it would be a fitting tribute to plant seventy trees in the village.

Seven semi-mature trees will be planted on entering the village and a further sixty-three young saplings will be planted in three copses of twenty-one typically English species in October or November of this year.

The plaques made by the RBLI veterans will be placed alongside the trees indicating their special commemoration.

A wonderful guided tour of the workshops and stops to chat to the veterans about the work they do was very humbling. The RBLI village provides a full care pathway from emergency accommodation to high dependency care homes, including independent accommodation supporting veterans into a new life. Delivered through their STEP-IN support programme led by a dedicated welfare team, veterans and other residents are able to access a wide range of support including employability, financial and health/wellbeing activities. All this is provided within their unique village setting, with a variety of accommodation every step of the way.

To see much more of the support the RBLI offers veterans and their families, please look at their Website: www.rbli.co.uk  Facebook: Royal British Legion Industries  Twitter: @RBLI  Instagram: @rblicharity  Linkedin: Royal British Legion Industries