Tree of Trees gifted to CentreStage

Ayrshire charity, CentreStage Communities, has received the gift of a special tree from the “Tree of Trees” sculpture which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The spectacular 21-metre ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture featuring 350 British native trees was created outside Buckingham Palace as an exciting centrepiece of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations in June.

The sculpture reflects the joyful Jubilee tree planting which has swept the nation as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project (QGC), inspiring people and organisations to plant over a million trees during its first season, from October to March.

The 350 trees that formed part of the sculpture were set in recycled aluminium pots embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher and are now being gifted to selected community groups and organisations to celebrate their work and inspire the next generation of tree planters across the nation. Her Majesty planted over 1,500 trees all over the world during her 70-year reign.

The gift of the tree is a thank you for all the valuable and tireless work that volunteers and individuals undertake for the benefit of their communities.

 It is also a celebration of the diverse communities that come together for the benefit of all, often using the natural environment to improve health and wellbeing. The trees planted across the country as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy will continue to spread this message, in honour of her extraordinary service to her country and her people.

CentreStage joins over 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name.

Presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, the tree was planted on Tuesday 11^th October 2022 at CentreStage attended by Fiona McKenzie, Founder and Paul McColgan, CEO and Chair Willie Mackie with some of our volunteers who are integral to the day to day running of CentreStage.

Paul McColgan, CEO of CentreStage said: “We are delighted to be chosen to receive a tree from the Queens Green Canopy Tree of Trees. We have created a close-knit community here in our arts and wellbeing hub at CentreStage and are grateful to the QGC for recognising us as part of the wider community of Ayrshire in bringing people together regardless of background or ability to take part in the arts. This special tree represents the hope and aspiration we want to share with our participants here.

“As one of over 300 organisations across the UK, CentreStage is proud to become part of the living legacy in honour and loving memory of Her Majesty.”

The Lord-Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE remarked: “I am delighted that CentreStage have been chosen to receive this tree as it recognises the significant contribution that they make to the wider community in Ayrshire through their wide range of activities. “

Provost of East Ayrshire, Jim Todd, said: “CentreStage is a huge part of the East Ayrshire community and it is fitting, given the very positive and aspirational work it does with people of all ages, that it has been chosen to receive this special tree. Having it at CentreStage will be a wonderful way for current and future generations to remember Her Majesty and the importance of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.”