AS is traditional, the Guardians of the Great Tree in Holsworthy gathered in the town square at 8am on Thursday, May 1 to measure the tree and track its progress.

The Guardians care for an English Oak (Quercus Rober), which was planted in Holsworthy square on November 26, 1992, then about nine years old.

Those who had contributed towards the costs were invited to become ‘Hereditary Guardians of The Great Tree’ and were issued with ‘Certificates of Admission to the Roll of Guardians’.

This year the gathering proceeded without the originator of the tree project, Guardian James M Rowland, at the helm, but was nonetheless undertaken in a manner befitting the town’s tradition.

The guardians of the Great tree of Holsworthy pictured after the measuring ceremony. (Picture: Rodney Parrish)
The guardians of the Great tree of Holsworthy pictured after the measuring ceremony. (Picture: Rodney Parrish) (Rodney Parrish)

A number of new Guardians were also welcomed, with a strong crowd being present for the measuring.

It was a somber occasion however, with tribute and a minute silence being observed for Bill Oke who passed this year.

Thanks were expressed those who supported in organising the event from Facebook Live videos to selling raffle tickets and to Dave and Lyndon for their expert measuring skills.

The only thing left was to announce the new circumference of the Great Tree, which stands at: 777mm.

Last year’s measurement was: 765mm.