Plaques for Queen’s Green Canopy trees

The trees were planted by volunteers of Brighter Whitehead, led by Bill Pollock.

Whitehead is already home to Diamond Jubilee Wood – the only Diamond Jubilee Wood in Northern Ireland – which was planted in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Members of Brighter Whitehead, who have been volunteering and working tirelessly since 1995 to make Whitehead a greener place to live, work and visit, will tend to these trees as well as to all their other colourful planting around the town of Whitehead.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “Well done to Brighter Whitehead for their efforts in contributing to the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative by planting these trees for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh.

“Members of Brighter Whitehead, chaired by Bill Pollock, keep the centre and railway halt blooming with an abundance of beautiful flower displays throughout the year.

“Brighter Whitehead grow the majority of the flowers that are displayed around Whitehead in their polytunnel. These colourful displays will improve the experience for visitors and hopefully keep people in the area longer, whether shopping local or eating out, and boost the local economy.

“I’d like to personally thank all the Brighter Whitehead volunteers and encourage them to keep up the great work. Whitehead has entered the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition each year since 1995 and has represented Northern Ireland in the Britain in Bloom competition twelve times, and Brighter Whitehead have helped Council bring home a host of awards in this time. I look forward to seeing what wonderful displays materialise in the months and years to come.”

The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mrs Stewart MBE, said: “Congratulations to the members of Brighter Whitehead for responding so promptly and so positively to the request delivered to community groups by Prince Charles, seeking contributions to Her Majesty the Queen’s Green Canopy.

“Members of Brighter Whitehead planted three birch trees to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, followed soon thereafter with the planting of three hawthorn trees in memory of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“May I also express my thanks to Brighter Whitehead, not only for inviting me today, but for taking the initiative to help combat the climate crisis and seeing the need to protect and restore our planet.”