The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The first tree has been planted in a memorial arboretum to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Armistice Day falls on November 11, but the first tree of the Great War Memorial Arboretum at Glenside North, Pinchbeck, was planted in honour of a local anniversary.
On October 27, 1917, Corporal Harry Orbell, a Pinchbeck farmer from Glenside North, died in a London hospital after being gassed in the trenches.
Elizabeth Sneath, who is planting the arboretum as a personal project, said she learned of Corp Orbell when two of his granddaughters visited her home at Glenside North while researching their family history.
Coun Sneath said Harry’s story and her own family history inspired the idea to create new life on her fields: “I want to create a memorial arboretum on Glenside North on my farm to commemorate the 100 years since the end of the Great War.
“I am very conscious that both my maternal and paternal grandfathers fought in France and came back safely.
“If they had not, I and my family would not be here.”
The plan for the burgeoning arboretum is to create a space for future generations to to enjoy.
Coun Sneath: “I used to have horses on these fields but now I hope the four acres that run from Glenside North to
Money Bridge Lane behind my house will be a wonderful area for my grandchildren to play in and enjoy the beauty of the trees as they grow.”
Coun Sneath, who is Heritage Champion at South Holland District Council and Lincolnshire County Council, has bought a Tommy figure from a series created to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
