WHILE others are putting Christmas trees up in their homes, a Wokingham place of worship is preparing to take one of its churchyard trees down.
St Paul’s church, on Reading Road, first became aware that one of its ancient oaks was unsafe in September this year.
The three hundred year old tree let them know it was sick by dropping a huge branch into the churchyard below.
That it didn’t fall onto the Reading Road was very fortunate, as the oak stands beside this busy thoroughfare.
The church immediately arranged for an expert to assess the tree.
Their firm recommendation was that it is diseased, weakened, and must be felled.
For the past few months the church’s rector, Reverend Canon Richard Lamey and the parish council have been preparing for the work, which will cost several thousand pounds.
“It’s something we don’t want to do, but we know that we have to for people’s safety,” said Revd Richard Lamey .
“We’re really sad about the loss of such a beloved tree, a key part of the local landscape – I walk past and appreciate it several times a day.”
During the work, it will be necessary to fully close the Reading Road to traffic for two days.
“We did look into whether closing just one carriageway might be enough,” he continued, “but the tree is fragile, and the contractors are concerned it might react unexpectedly.”
“They can’t do the job overnight, as something this complicated would be unsafe in the dark.”
Although the road will be closed to motorists, pedestrians will still be able to pass by on the Holt Lane side of Reading Road.
“Our tree surgeons and the Borough Council have worked hard to make sure we can get this done in the school holidays, when lots of people are off work in the days after Christmas,” said Mr Lamey.
“This is to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“Borough council officers and town council officers have been very supportive and helpful, and we are grateful.
“We really appreciate, too, the support and understanding of the local community, which is also grieving the loss of this tree.
“We plan to leave a four metre high trunk, and hope it may sprout new growth.
“We’re collecting acorns and saplings from the tree, too, to replant into the churchyard in the future.”
The tree surgeons’ work will cost around £17,000.
“We are very grateful for the kind support we have already received to help us with this unexpected outlay, from people who are showing their love and care for the church,” said Mr Lamey.
“We’ve had donations, small and large, from individuals, and generous grants from the Wokingham Society, and the Free Church Burial Ground.
“But we still have to find around half the amount, and will be very grateful for any further help,” he said.
The work will see Reading Road closed to traffic on Wednesday, December 27, and Thursday, December 28.
Anyone wishing to donate to St Paul’s is asked to email: church.office@spauls.co.uk
And for information about the church, visit: www.spauls.co.uk
