Following advice from the Three Rivers District Council Tree Team, it has been determined that the Cedar Tree in the grounds of All Saints’ Church must be removed to ensure the safety of the community.

The Cedar Tree, which has long been a symbol of resilience and beauty in our church grounds, has sadly succumbed to the fungal infection Phaeolus schweinitzii. This disease has caused significant decay, hollowing out sections of the tree’s root base and main trunk. As the tree leans over a pathway, road, and car park, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to fell it, prioritising the wellbeing of all who pass by.

The Vicar of All Saints’, the Revd Deborah Snowball, expressed the church’s sorrow in taking this step: “The decision to remove the Cedar Tree was not taken lightly. It is a sad day for our church and our community, as this tree has been a much-loved landmark for so many. However, our foremost concern must be the safety of everyone who visits and worships here.”

Looking to the future, 2025 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the current All Saints’ building. As part of the celebrations, we are pleased to announce that a new Cedar will be planted to commemorate the old tree and symbolise the hope and continuity of our community’s growth.

The Vicar added:”While we mourn the loss of this beautiful tree, we also look forward with hope and anticipation to the planting of a new Cedar. This new tree will stand as a testament to our enduring faith and the lasting legacy of All Saints’ Church.”

We invite all members of the community to join us in the celebrations that will take place through next year, and to take part in the planting of the new Cedar, which will carry forward the spirit of the old tree into the next chapter of our church’s history. We propose to plant the new tree on Sunday 5 January 2025 when The Reverend Anne Douglas will be present. Anne was the Vicar when the new church building opened in 2000. (Due to delays in felling the tree, a revised date for planting the new tree will be announced in due course).