Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 4:00pm

Tree planting gets year of celebration underway

by Andrew Cowie

At Beath High School on Friday a special ceremony took place to mark the planting of one hundred Silver Birch trees in the school grounds.

This event was part of Beath High's ongoing celebrations for its centenary. The silver birch is one of the trees on the school badge and also features on Cowdenbeath's Coat of Arms.

The Rector, Douglas Young, thanked all those who had been involved in planning the event. He thanked Sodexo who had prepared the ground and Pinnacle who had paid for the trees.

Mr Young also acknowledged the work of education officers from the Forestry Commission who had been advising the school on all aspects of planting and caring for the trees.

Mr Young said that he felt very fortunate to be the Rector of the school particularly at this time.

Mr Young then planted the first tree helped by the youngest pupil at Beath, Samuel Docherty, and the youngest member of Foulford Primary's Ecology group, 5 year old Fallon Kellighan. Looking on was Alexander Jarvis who at 90 is Beath's oldest known former pupil.

While the tree was planted there was a special fanfare from the school's brass players.

The school chaplain, Rev. David Redmayne, then delivered a blessing for the trees and the school. Finally, Craig Munro, Senior Education Manager and a former pupil of the school, acknowledged the good work being done in the school. He spoke about how the school had developed over 100 years and how important the it is to the community.

A large gathering of guests including councillors, representatives from all branches of the school, and Sodexo and Pinnacle attended the ceremony.

Foulford Primary was represented by its ecology group and Beath pupils were represented by a member from each of the school's Tutor Groups. Many teaching staff who had helped to organise the event were also present.

After the ceremony the guests returned to the school and the business of tree planting began. Four members of the Forestry Commission led by Alasdair Horning worked with groups of pupils, supervising them as the pupils took responsibility for planting their trees. The youngsters from Foulford particularly enjoyed their opportunity to dig holes, plant trees and stakes and place protective covers round the base of the trees.

By midday, thanks to much hard work by all concerned the trees were in. As the years go by these trees will become a wood which future generations of pupils from both Beath and Foulford will be able to use as a learning tool.

The wood should enhance the appearance of the school grounds and provide a pleasant place for pupils to sit out in during the summer months.

If you want to know more about Beath's Centenary celebrations please go to www.beath100.org or contact the school at www.beath.centenary@fife.gov.uk" rel="external">www.beath.centenary@fife.gov.uk

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