Back in 2021 GWR kindly paid for a bench to be placed in Shalford Orchard, adjacent to the North Downs Line and station. The bench took pride of place until some n’er-do-wells decided to try to remove it ! Fortunately they were thwarted in the attempt but it required the bench to be protected like Fort Knox from early 2022.
On October 29th 2022 the Friends of Shalford once again gathered in the Orchard close to the bench to witness tree planting by Jon Coe of GWR, ably assisted by your author, and the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Dennis Booth.
This event forms part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee 2022. The initiative will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.
Guests were then invited to light refreshments, served nearby in Shalford Cemetery Chapel.
Once again, a great example of the Community and Railway coming together to support major events.
