A LARGE crowd formed in Holsworthy Town Square on Wednesday, May 1, for the 'grand gathering' under the Great Tree.

Holsworthy's Great Tree has existed from as long ago as 1624 and has been an emblem of the town ever since. The present Great Tree, an Oak, was planted in 1992.

Local 'Hereditary Guardians of the Great Tree' have nurtured, guarded and cherished it ever since. They meet at the tree on May 1 every year at 8am. Once in every generation of 20 years all of the survivors of, and the current successors to, the original 88 guardians are summoned to a 'grand gathering'.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.