Outcome of the General Meeting of Saturday 20th February.

The meeting voted in favour of felling the Cedar Tree and replanting by 55 votes to 18.

Since the General Meeting the committee has been deliberating upon the course of action regarding the felling of the Cedar Tree. After much discussion and exchange of emails between committee members Bernard and I have decided that we need more time to give proper consideration to the views expressed by the members. We have therefore asked the Lawn’s Manager to instruct the tree surgeon to leave at least a 10ft length of stump in place.

We believe that the committee would be making a serious mistake if we took an action which ruled out what might turn out to be the best option. By leaving an appropriate length of stump in place, we buy time to consider the multifarious issues involved.

This is an emotive issue and we (BN and SE) feel very strongly that the committee should respond, and also be seen to respond, appropriately to the suggestions made at the General Meeting. There are a number of club members who are willing to take responsibility for exploring the possibilities of a sculpture and who are willing to raise money to finance this option.

This proposal to leave at least 10ft of stump is unrelated to any views BN/SE have about the merits or demerits of a sculpture. It is a plea to give serious consideration to ideas expressed by a good many members at what turned out to be a well debated General Meeting dealing with a difficult subject.

 Bernard Neal, President and Susan Edwards, Chairman

[Cedar Tree]