"In 1919 to celebrate Peace, a 10 year old English Oak, Quercus Robor, was planted near the tennis courts by the Field Club".
Natural History In And Around Darlington
The Northern Echo 23/07/1919 reports:
“Brave English Oak.
Darlington Field Club plants a tree of Memory.
To commemorate the signing of peace the Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists’ Field Club last evening planted an English oak tree in the South Park. The tree was 92 inches in height, 2 inches in circumference and 56 inches from the ground to the first branch. Its site is near the tennis courts.
Mr. J.W. Burchby, ex-postmaster of Darlington and president of the club, carried out the spade work, and in a short speech remarked that they could not plant that tree to celebrate peace without paying a tribute to the memory of those who had laid down their lives to secure peace, without paying homage to the illustrious dead.
It was hoped that the tree would live a long time, and that so long as it lived this peace would be unbroken. Mr. Burchby also said that the club proposed to emulate the American “Arbor Day” by planting a tree each year, 21 Oct. having been selected for this annual event.
On the motion of Mr. James Broadhead, seconded by Mr. J.E. Mowers, the Parks Committee and Mr. Morrison, the park superintendent, were thanked for their assistance.
After the planting, Mr. Morrison conducted the party round the rosebeds which are in remarkable fine bloom and well repaid a tour."
A Japanese Cherry tree was planted after 1939-45 in memory of those who died in the Far East.
An English Oak tree was planted on the 50th Anniversary of D-Day 1994 by the Mayor, Cllr. John Williams.
Northern Echo 07/06/1994 and Darlington and Stockton Times 11/06/1994 report planting with photos.
