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Anger as ancient yew is felled (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Anger as ancient yew is felled
9:10am Saturday 27th September 2008
IT HAS stood for centuries and inspired one of Swindon’s most famous sons. But an ancient yew tree from the garden of Victorian nature writer Richard Jefferies’ house in Coate has finally been laid to rest by Swindon Council.
The yew tree was believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old and was axed because of fears that it was causing damage to the house.
This fact is disputed by members of the Richard Jefferies Society.
All that is now left of the 40ft tree is a two-inch high stump, which the council plans to drill out next week, and a bird box.
Jean Saunders, the society’s secretary, said: “Three years ago we requested that the yew be protected with a tree preservation order along with others of literary merit in Richard Jefferies’ garden.
“We were reassured that there was no need as Swindon Council would look after trees on their own property.
“We got wind that the council wanted to take down the tree earlier this year, blaming it for a crack in the house. We protested most strongly, and thought that we had reached agreement with them that the tree should be reduced in height and better managed.
“We are angry at this act of vandalism and bitterly disappointed that the council has sneaked in behind our backs and carried out this abominable act. Eight hundred years to grow – hours to cut down.”
Mrs Saunders claimed that the contractors who had undertaken the work were horrified at what they were doing.
She said: “They told me they had never been so upset to have to cut a tree down and if we had been there to stop them they would have walked away.”
The society has made an appeal to the council not to remove the stump and, if this is accepted, there is a chance that there might be some regrowth.
A Swindon Council spokesman said: “We took the decision to fell this yew tree with huge reluctance, but the unavoidable fact is that its roots were damaging a listed, historic building and there was no other option.
“Like many buildings of its age, it has no proper foundations and is therefore very sensitive to movement and disturbance. We wrote to Jean Saunders some weeks ago to let her know that we intended to fell the tree, and have discussed the issue fully with her.”
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Your Say YourSwindon
I Too, Swindon says...
10:37am Sat 27 Sep 08
I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
If I'm right, then certain members of our council are very corrupt.
If this is the case, I long for the day they are reprimanded and it all ends in tears for them
Mick12, Swindon says...
10:49am Sat 27 Sep 08
I Too, Swindon says...
10:54am Sat 27 Sep 08
Casual Observer, Swindon says...
11:06am Sat 27 Sep 08
yeti, swindon says...
11:10am Sat 27 Sep 08
from what i've seen it isn't needed in the majority of cases.
RFM, Swindon says...
12:40pm Sat 27 Sep 08
WendyG, Swindon says...
1:00pm Sat 27 Sep 08
The council seems to believe it is not accountable to anyone, but it holds both buildings and trees in trust on our behalf and it fails in its duties when it doesn't consult properly or take proper advice.
I simply don't believe that the Richard J society was consulted as stated - it's clear they were taken by surprise and had no idea that the 'consultations' were over.
Individuals at the council should produce the evidence or be held accountable for this vandalism. Felling an 800-year old tree of historical value is a very serious matter. I understand that there are steps that can be taken if councils fail in their duties. Complaints can be made to the local council ombudsman here: http://www.direct.go
v.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOn
line/DG_4018266
Bobfm, South Marston says...
1:33pm Sat 27 Sep 08
I Too, Swindon says...
3:05pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Sounds about rigt. as I said earlier,
I suspect that the tree was felled to make way for future plans, incorporating our friendly neighbourhood developers.
I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
If I'm right, then certain members of our council are very corrupt.
If this is the case, I long for the day they are reprimanded and it all ends in tears for them
RFM, is it a personal tiff you have with Jean Saunders, or are you in cahoots with one of said developers?
Either way it is fair to say that an 800 year old tree, with historic merit, should not be fast tracked to the chipper.
SBC seem more corrupt by the day, and (before it is suggested) no I don't need to leave my home town if I'm not happy with their actions
FlowerPower, Swindon says...
3:36pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Jean Saunders, says...
3:44pm Sat 27 Sep 08
From 'THREE FEMININE THINGS' by Ruth Pitter 1897-1992
See how my yew tree
In utter drought and heat
breeds kindness in blindness,
Drops dew about her feet;
How she in beauty,
She in ancient calm,
Stands sleeping, stands weeping
Her penitential balm.
Like that poor widow
Who gave her livelihood,
Since living is giving,
She sheds her stainless blood;
From holy shadow,
Dark mourning that she wears,
Comes coolness in fulness,
Come drops as warm as tears.
***
"Trees" by Joyce Kilmer
I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest against the earth's sweet flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who ultimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.
***
A member of the Footsteps writer's group wrote this whilst looking out the Jefferies' parlour window on 25 July 2007: I used to love looking out of the window with the sun shining through the branches of the yew and watch the squirrels chasing up it and the birds.
Old Yew.
Glancing out of the window at the old yew tree
Two woodpeckers creep up and up the trunk
Looking for a tasty meal.
Then frisky grey squirrels follow
With the sun shining through their furry, frondy tails.
****
"Trees" by Joyce Kilmer
I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest against the earth's sweet flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who ultimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.
PeeveD, Swindon says...
4:56pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Big News In Swindon!!!!
A ruddy tree is cut down!!!!
If this is the most abhorrent thing that happens in Swindon this weekend I for one shall be a very happy bunny!
P3 NAS Mark II, Swindon says...
5:00pm Sat 27 Sep 08
God help the Council if it was and they'd left it and it fell on one of your heads.
I Too, Swindon says...
5:50pm Sat 27 Sep 08
It was at least 800 years old, but perfectly healthy.
Unfortunately it probably won't be the most abhorrent thing that happens in Swindon this weekend, but it's still a great shame.
Not exactly an example or encouragement of a caring society.
If corruption exists, at an authority level, it will surely be encouraged at a scummy level (nowadays the gap seems to draw ever smaller)
P3 NAS Mark II, Swindon says...
6:00pm Sat 27 Sep 08
If the tree was that important in our history it would have had a Tree Preservation Order attached to it, which means it can't be felled for no good reason.
I Too, Swindon says...
6:08pm Sat 27 Sep 08
“Three years ago we requested that the yew be protected with a tree preservation order along with others of literary merit in Richard Jefferies’ garden.
“We were reassured that there was no need as Swindon Council would look after trees on their own property.
I can guess what the "no good reason" for chopping the tree down will turn out to be. The same reason that everything of any value in Swindon has been destroyed for over the past decades.
helldriver, sherborne says...
6:57pm Sat 27 Sep 08
P3 NAS Mark II wrote:MORE stupid comments and council destruction they won't be happy until all of old swindon is destroyed,and it's idiots like you that are the problem.
The tree was probably diseased.God help the Council if it was and they'd left it and it fell on one of your heads.
Casual Observer, Swindon says...
7:30pm Sat 27 Sep 08
YOU are diseased, can't you see that you stupid fool?
Your inane comments are of no help to anyone. This is part of the heritage of Swindon and it's now gone, forever, destroyed by people who have no allegiance to us as born and bred Swindonians. We care about our surroundings because it actually matters.
'God help the council'.. you utter ****.
Casual Observer, Swindon says...
7:41pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Bobfm wrote:Good god Bob, you mean nobody is taking any notice of you? surely not, a man of your standing and nobody is listening? a UKIP rep that nobody cares a shiny sh!te about? this cannot be true!
Strange priorities this council has. I've complained about a tree opposite my site that his increased it's lean by at least 15% and now over hangs the road so badly buses have to drive in the centre of the lane to avoid it.
Given that it's roots are substantially in the drainage ditch it won't be long before it falls over and given it's size could take away half my building.
I hope the autumn wind takes the tree and you with it.
Felix A, says...
8:33pm Sat 27 Sep 08
If it has been taken away - who has it been sold to? Has Swindon Borough Council declared income raised from the sale?
It doesn't bring back the tree, but the question might be asked (seeing that the reason given for cutting down the tree is spurious)was the tree cut down for its commercial value?
Jean Saunders, says...
8:43pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Felix A wrote:As it happens, I asked the workman if we might have a section of tree to make into a table top for the Museum. I was told "it was all gone". At the time, I wasn't thinking about what the yew wood was worth - I just wanted to redeem some small token in memory of this beloved tree.
What has happened to the wood? It must be very valuable not only in monetary terms but as a resource that the Museum might use for fund-raising. I'm sure that people would love to buy turned wood items in memory of the writer and the sacred tree.If it has been taken away - who has it been sold to? Has Swindon Borough Council declared income raised from the sale?It doesn't bring back the tree, but the question might be asked (seeing that the reason given for cutting down the tree is spurious)was the tree cut down for its commercial value?
As it was a perfectly healthy tree (it wasn't rotten at all)someone is getting a considerable back-hander for the wood.
PeeveD, Swindon says...
9:47pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Jean Saunders wrote:Just because you are love with a bit of wood please try and refrain from making completely baseless comments.
Felix A wrote:What has happened to the wood? It must be very valuable not only in monetary terms but as a resource that the Museum might use for fund-raising. I'm sure that people would love to buy turned wood items in memory of the writer and the sacred tree.If it has been taken away - who has it been sold to? Has Swindon Borough Council declared income raised from the sale?It doesn't bring back the tree, but the question might be asked (seeing that the reason given for cutting down the tree is spurious)was the tree cut down for its commercial value?As it happens, I asked the workman if we might have a section of tree to make into a table top for the Museum. I was told "it was all gone". At the time, I wasn't thinking about what the yew wood was worth - I just wanted to redeem some small token in memory of this beloved tree. As it was a perfectly healthy tree (it wasn't rotten at all)someone is getting a considerable back-hander for the wood.
g5wq, south marston says...
10:39pm Sat 27 Sep 08
he was the other well known poet from this area , our family still live on the same site as he did more or less .
i am wondering what was there first, the building or the tree ?.
on thing i dont understand is why there wasnt a "tip-off" to pre warn the richard jefferies society of the impending work that was to be carried out , funny how some things are kept secret isnt it ?.
after all how many govt documents get leaked without much difficulty .
it makes me pig sick that the council can do this kind of thing to something that has been growing for over 10 generations .
the house could have been worked on without much trouble to stop any damage occurring to it , it could have even been moved away from the tree .
we have seen houses moved , especially along our coast line , so how come the council wouldnt take that option , after all its our money not theirs .
the council are there to represent the people and they should do what the people want, and not just do what they want to do without any consultation or right of appeal .
after all we pay huge sums of money each month to the local council and just what do we get for it except a kick in the teeth .
lets have some democracy in this country and lets have the power where it needs to be, in our sensible hands and not in the hands of an office clerk who knows not what he does .
swindon has little history to talk of , but richard jefferies was one of the people in this area who will be remembered for longer than pretty much anyone alive in the town today or from the past .
if the council ,or anyone who thinks they are someone want to be remembered in years to come , then i will give you a tip .
do some real work , work that will last forever, something that will be remembered , and something to share together .
Moth, Swindon says...
11:33pm Sat 27 Sep 08
Trees do need to be pruned but the savagery with which this has been done is appalling. Many beautiful trees have been left with hardly any branches. I fear many of them will die.
It is obvious SBC is employing amateurs to prune the trees.
As for the Yew tree, the ignorant jobsworth who sanctioned its felling should be named, shamed and sacked. Obviously he/she does not know that one of the biggest causes of the greenhouse gas effect is through the destruction of the rain forests. Every tree on this planet is part of the ecological system. We do not need trees like this Yew cut down.
RFM, Swindon says...
7:23am Sun 28 Sep 08
From the article:
"We wrote to Jean Saunders some weeks ago to let her know that we intended to fell the tree, and have discussed the issue fully with her"
So it seems she was fully aware of what was going to happen but decided to play dumb so that once the deed was done she could once again stamp her fett and moan about the big, bad, evil council!!
RFM, Swindon says...
7:24am Sun 28 Sep 08
Bobfm, South Marston says...
8:19am Sun 28 Sep 08
You are clearly a really insignificant individual who has nothing constructive to contribute, so you set about targeting someone, in this case me. Get a life chap or chapess.
Jean Saunders, says...
8:20am Sun 28 Sep 08
RFM wrote:Get real RFM - you really believe the council's statement!!!!
G5WQ:"on thing i dont understand is why there wasnt a "tip-off" to pre warn the richard jefferies society of the impending work that was to be carried out , funny how some things are kept secret isnt it?"From the article:"We wrote to Jean Saunders some weeks ago to let her know that we intended to fell the tree, and have discussed the issue fully with her"So it seems she was fully aware of what was going to happen but decided to play dumb so that once the deed was done she could once again stamp her fett and moan about the big, bad, evil council!!
My last formal letter to the Director of Economic & Cultural Development (dated 11 July)- written after establishing that no structural survey had been carried out to the building or the drains - suggested pollarding the tree, clearing the drains of debris (NOT tree roots - there weren't any)and then monitoring the cracks. I received no response and no-one has mentioned the tree to me since. It was a complete shock to find out that it had been cut down. If it hadn't been for a museum officer (who has now left the Borough) we wouldn't have known about this at all.
Since I've cleared out the drains myself and resolved the local flooding issue by the crack, there has been no further movement of the house.
Bobfm, South Marston says...
10:40am Sun 28 Sep 08
1. Was a survey done which stated the tree was undermining the buildings foundations.
2. Were the Jeffries People shown this survey.
3. Did they verify there was no ingress of roots into the drainage system.
This just seems another example of a Council Officer getting a bee in his bonnet, being determined to have his way. There is a clear need for an independent investigation, because of the face of it this seems deceitful, at best.
Casual Observer, Swindon says...
11:17am Sun 28 Sep 08
Bobfm wrote:Apologies Bob - didn't wish any harm to you. I'm also not targeting you but you do have a tendency to twist any story you comment on to your own self-serving negative agenda.
CO whoever you are I sincerely hope you and your family are not driving past when it does. You are entitled to your opinion about me and/or UKIP, but to wish the death of someone, is pretty low, even by your standards.
You are clearly a really insignificant individual who has nothing constructive to contribute, so you set about targeting someone, in this case me. Get a life chap or chapess.
Anyway, you put yourself in the firing line when you go into politics, so if I verbally kick you the teeth think of it as character building.
PeeveD, Swindon says...
11:24am Sun 28 Sep 08
They wrote to the Saunders Green Machine some weeks before it was felled... and Dear Jean decided to sit back.. do nothing.. and time it all to kick up a big stink over something that had already happened.
IT'S A NON STORY BEING TURNED FROM NOTHING TO SOMETHING BY YET ANOTHER PUBLICITY HUNGRY WANNABE POLITICIAN!
RFM, Swindon says...
12:06pm Sun 28 Sep 08
Let's hope the advertiser do a follow up next week allowing the council to give their full side of the story before everyone falls for the claptrap spouting from the Saunders Green Machine!
peatmoor pirate, Swindon says...
12:08pm Sun 28 Sep 08
WendyG wrote:under the Freedom of Information Act, you can request information held on the decision making relevant to this tree cutting. As someone with profesional knowledge of the Act,I would not see any grounds they could refuse you any such information. Their should be something on the SBC website telling you to how to do this.
I challenge the council to produce evidence, for example, a report by independent professionals such as a chartered surveyor in consultation with a tree surgeon - that says that the trees roots were disturbing the building. I don't believe they bothered to get one, and simply took a quick, cheap and lazy way out.The council seems to believe it is not accountable to anyone, but it holds both buildings and trees in trust on our behalf and it fails in its duties when it doesn't consult properly or take proper advice. I simply don't believe that the Richard J society was consulted as stated - it's clear they were taken by surprise and had no idea that the 'consultations' were over.Individuals at the council should produce the evidence or be held accountable for this vandalism. Felling an 800-year old tree of historical value is a very serious matter. I understand that there are steps that can be taken if councils fail in their duties. Complaints can be made to the local council ombudsman here: http://www.direct.go
v.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOn
line/DG_4018266
Donkey, Swindon says...
5:10pm Sun 28 Sep 08
I often imagine a row of Tory sympathisers sat at their computer keyboards waiting for any kind of remarks unpopular to their cause, so that they may put us all right! ... Do they seriously think that the rest of us are that gullible as to accept the rudeness and character assasinations they spout off at Ms Saunders etc.?
PeeveD, Swindon says...
5:57pm Sun 28 Sep 08
Jean Saunders, says...
11:05pm Sun 28 Sep 08
PeeveD wrote:You are so wrong in what you say. I didn't sit back and say nothing when we were told that the tree was to be taken down. I did everything humanly possible to ascertain on what basis the decision was made, by whom and on what grounds and to offer an alternative solution. You haven't read this thread. I repeat, there is no evidence to prove that the tree is responsible for the crack. The house was built in 1820. The tree had already been there for 600 years. Why should the tree be causing a problem now? There are no reports - I asked to see them and none have materialised. What more can I say? However, I do have a report written by an independent consultant that says the tree should be pollarded. We had no objection to that.
Do any of the tree lovers from above (including the ones who seem to have placed themselves up high on a pedestal!) REALLY believe that SBC would be stupid enough to allow themselves so open to attack for not following proper procedures.They wrote to the Saunders Green Machine some weeks before it was felled... and Dear Jean decided to sit back.. do nothing.. and time it all to kick up a big stink over something that had already happened.IT'S A NON STORY BEING TURNED FROM NOTHING TO SOMETHING BY YET ANOTHER PUBLICITY HUNGRY WANNABE POLITICIAN!
All this is not going to give us back our tree but this must never happen again.
I shall be most happy to meet you at the Jefferies' Museum and show you around so that you can see for yourself.
yeti, swindon says...
11:48pm Sun 28 Sep 08
malkym1, Highworth on the Hill says...
12:29am Mon 29 Sep 08
Why wasn't Saunders tied to the tree so that SBC's lumberjack couldn't fell it...think of the publicity the Longcot One! could have got for the lean mean Green machine... and where's Snelgrove when you need her ...and why does GCHQ5 or whatever he's called go on about being a blood relative of Alfred Williams... "what's it all about when you work it out alfie" Could I possibly have a bag or two of the bark chippings? **** good for keeping the old weeds down old chip --err sorry chap!
Bobfm, South Marston says...
8:36am Mon 29 Sep 08
FunkyPablo, Swindon says...
9:45am Mon 29 Sep 08
Bobfm, South Marston says...
10:04am Mon 29 Sep 08
Lets hope as has been suggested someone does a Freedom of Information Act request, although in fairness if SBC has nothing to hide they will voluntarily give the Adver site of the report that says the tree was undermining the building. The truth is that simply to establish.
Donkey, Swindon says...
10:50am Mon 29 Sep 08
Nothing wrong with them, no apparent danger of falling over, no reason for felling other than for commercial purposes. (A solid yew trunk is said to be worth around two grand! ... referring to the story.) Healthy tree to sawmill ... 2-300)
Of course, a Labour political ward and a Conservative council ... Say no more!
Further to a previous comment, old Swindon and it's socialist/working class image is something which the current council are obliterrating from the local landscape. Incidentally, did Richard Jefferies have a political persuasion ... perhaps JS will inform?
Jean Saunders, says...
10:58am Mon 29 Sep 08
I created merry hell around May/June about the tree when I first asked to see the so-called report. As a result, a small trench was dug next to the wall of the house about 2 feet square and 18 inches deep, that revealed no foundations to the house, solid clay sub-soil and lots of rubble. I was on site when the trench was dug. There were some fine superficial fibrous roots which you would expect to find under the canopy of the tree. This was the extent of their "survey" and as I said, the decision to cut down the tree appears to have been taken months earlier.
By the way, those of you who continue to make insulting comments about me only strengthen by resolve to see justice done.
Bobfm, South Marston says...
11:17am Mon 29 Sep 08
I think those attacking Jean should reflect on the fact that SBC are taking decisions daily that affect our lives. In a democracy they are required to be accountable. Not take the view as they seem to that they are right.
I note the front cover of their Vision for the Future of Swindon document they have an artists impression of the Canal, going through the centre of town. Does that not tell you something.
Jean Saunders, says...
1:26pm Mon 29 Sep 08
Donkey wrote:In his late teens, Richard Jefferies expressed views that were some what "conservative". This was partly to do with the fact that he worked for a conservative local newspaper and, perhaps, to appease his family. He went on to champion the fate of the agricultural worker and particularly those who were cast out of their homes to live in the work-house when they were too old to work the farm any longer.
One wonders about the removal of many healthy mature trees around a 'convenient' and lucrative housing development bordering Plaum's Pit lake in Cheney Manor?Nothing wrong with them, no apparent danger of falling over, no reason for felling other than for commercial purposes. (A solid yew trunk is said to be worth around two grand! ... referring to the story.) Healthy tree to sawmill ... 2-300)Of course, a Labour political ward and a Conservative council ... Say no more!Further to a previous comment, old Swindon and it's socialist/working class image is something which the current council are obliterrating from the local landscape. Incidentally, did Richard Jefferies have a political persuasion ... perhaps JS will inform?
Today he might be thought of as socialist in outlook with very strong green credentials and a spiritual view of his own "god".
jonnydeath, Swindon says...
2:28pm Mon 29 Sep 08
FunkyPablo, Swindon says...
3:10pm Mon 29 Sep 08
Jean Saunders, says...
3:13pm Mon 29 Sep 08
jonnydeath wrote:It's not just any old tree - it's 800 years old and could have lived another 800 years. There are a few trees in the Jefferies' garden that do need to be removed and no-one would shed tears.
For goodness sake, its a tree, I work for (Dare I say it) SBC in actual fact if a tree needs trimming or a streetlight has gone out im the first point of call. If the tree was posing a danger then the team would have properly assesed the situation prior to cutting it down. The descion would have been made and the reason it was probably not made pubilic was due to people complaining. No matter how much you complain if its a job that needs doing it needs doing. I feel the growing abortion rate in this country is way much more of an issue then a tree.
If you are the first port of call, then I presume that you are Frank. You might remember Colin Lawrence requesting a price to remove a sycamore next to the garden wall and an elderberry next to an out-building plus the lopping of top brances of several trees that included the yew in question. This was nearly 3 years ago. SBC's Museums section couldn't find the funds to pay for the work but the original request to carry out the work came from the Richard Jefferies Society when we were also seeking TPOs for some of the trees.
Jean Saunders, says...
3:19pm Mon 29 Sep 08
FunkyPablo wrote:I think that you might find that our records of events are better documented than yours.
jonnydeath, we work together. If you listen to the majority of people who take the time to post on here, we are some sort of mega lo maniacal despots who like nothing more than to make their lives miserable!! It's absolutely ridiculous. The attitude people have towards their local authority is primitive, and they fail to see that PEOPLE like you and I do our utmost to see that things are done efficiently and to the best of our abilities. When you call the council, you are NOT contacting a call centre in India, or London. You are speaking to people in Swindon, from Swindon, who pay the same council tax as you do and expect the same services. The bureacracy involved in any decision-making at the council is such that there's no WAY a tree such as this could be chopped down on a whim as this lady is suggesting. Her claims are in fact ludicrous and I for one hope that there is a statement released to the press detailing the processes involved.
Would you like to see the file covering this case? It is rather large and I keep everything.
FunkyPablo, Swindon says...
3:35pm Mon 29 Sep 08
Jean Saunders wrote:No, thank you. I'm nowhere near important enough to really care about such things on a professional level. As I said earlier, it's a shame but move on, it's done and there's really nothing that can be done about it. Find yourself another cause. Incidently, the views I express here are entirely my personal view and in no way constitute council policy!
FunkyPablo wrote:jonnydeath, we work together. If you listen to the majority of people who take the time to post on here, we are some sort of mega lo maniacal despots who like nothing more than to make their lives miserable!! It's absolutely ridiculous. The attitude people have towards their local authority is primitive, and they fail to see that PEOPLE like you and I do our utmost to see that things are done efficiently and to the best of our abilities. When you call the council, you are NOT contacting a call centre in India, or London. You are speaking to people in Swindon, from Swindon, who pay the same council tax as you do and expect the same services. The bureacracy involved in any decision-making at the council is such that there's no WAY a tree such as this could be chopped down on a whim as this lady is suggesting. Her claims are in fact ludicrous and I for one hope that there is a statement released to the press detailing the processes involved.I think that you might find that our records of events are better documented than yours. Would you like to see the file covering this case? It is rather large and I keep everything.
jonnydeath, Swindon says...
4:14pm Mon 29 Sep 08
PeeveD, Swindon says...
4:38pm Mon 29 Sep 08
Jean... it's a ruddy tree... there are millions more knocking around the place when you feel like a cuddle. I revert back to my previous post when I declare that there are a darn site more worthy causes that need championing then some old tree.
OK..... I'm Done!
jonnydeath, Swindon says...
4:45pm Mon 29 Sep 08
PeeveD wrote:My thoughts exactly
OK... I'm Bored with this now....Jean... it's a ruddy tree... there are millions more knocking around the place when you feel like a cuddle. I revert back to my previous post when I declare that there are a darn site more worthy causes that need championing then some old tree.OK..... I'm Done!
I Too, Swindon says...
4:56pm Mon 29 Sep 08
OK..... I'm Done!
Miss the point by an ocean, why don't you?.
I think you can't see the wood for the trees
I Too, Swindon says...
5:08pm Mon 29 Sep 08
It's an established (800+ year old) healthy tree, felled without proper explanation / investigation / report.
It is a dubious act which should not be allowed to be repeated, but judging by others comments, it would appear to be a dubious act that is being repeated much too often.
Still let's not miss an opportunity to attemp to belittle a peoples champion, that has both the mettle to use her own name, and work tirelessly, for NO FINANCIAL GAIN, on behalf of the community.
PeeveD, Swindon says...
10:15pm Mon 29 Sep 08
It's not Sorry pal... but it clearly is JUST A RUDDY TREE!
Whatever way you slice,dice or just plain chop the thing down, IT IS STILL JUST A RUDDY TREE!!!!!
I Too, Swindon says...
11:48pm Mon 29 Sep 08
By all means, keep repeating your "just a ruddy tree" one liner, if that's the nearest you can get to a meaningful debate.
Most of the posters to this site have offered constructive comments, as to why they disagree or agree with the councils actions.
I'm pretty certain that even those that have posted "pro-council" comments are aware that the age, location, and historical background of this tree, make it worthy of slightly more than your feeble attempt to cause personal ridicule, to people that have worked very hard.
I doubt if anybody will take umbridge, if you keep repeating the same phrase. I'm guilty of the same "level of humour myself".
I'm mostly concerned that you called me pal.
jonnydeath, Swindon says...
11:43am Tue 30 Sep 08
The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man, Wiltshire says...
4:47pm Tue 30 Sep 08
cuits!
As for the tree - it's a shame, but 800 years is a very good age. The very oldest yews in England are around 1000 years old so it's difficult to say how much older this one would have got. Another 800 years is pure speculation. If the R. Jefferies society feel so strongly about the importance of a single tree, perhaps they could plant a replacement a bit further away from the buildings?
jonnydeath, Swindon says...
6:00pm Tue 30 Sep 08
The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man wrote:I work for the council, and I can categorically state that from the moment I sit at my desk, till the moment I leave to go home, I am rushed off my feet daily. Now I know I cant be accountable for the entirety of the council but my colleagues and I in the Street-smart Department work very hard in making sure that highway maintenance, recycling collection, street lighting, over grown hedgerows, bushes, litter, Trees, Parks and open spaces, highway drainage, Environmental enforcement and everything else that might falls under the category is taken care of efficiently as possible, and no thank you I do not sit around all day eating lunch/coffee/tea/bis
jonnydeath - Interesting that you think people here have a certain opinion of the council, yet I see little evidence of the council promoting itself as anything else! The problem is all anyone sees of the council is the numerous orange vans parked up around the town with people sat inside seemingly constantly eating lunch/coffee/tea/bis
cuits!As for the tree - it's a shame, but 800 years is a very good age. The very oldest yews in England are around 1000 years old so it's difficult to say how much older this one would have got. Another 800 years is pure speculation. If the R. Jefferies society feel so strongly about the importance of a single tree, perhaps they could plant a replacement a bit further away from the buildings?
cuits! As im sure neither do you in your line of work
The Chrominator, Swindon says...
4:18pm Thu 2 Oct 08
"it's a ruddy tree... there are millions more knocking around the place when you feel like a cuddle"
Hmmmm.....Martin Niemoller anybody?
When the butchers came for Dutch Elms,
I remained silent;
I was not an elm.
When they lopped down the English Oaks,
I remained silent;
I was not an English Oak.
When they came for the Horse Chestnuts,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Horse Chestnut.
When they came for the Yews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Yew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
Jean Saunders, says...
2:49pm Fri 3 Oct 08
Your sayYour Swindon
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Bobfm, South Marston says...
10:19am Sat 27 Sep 08
Given that it's roots are substantially in the drainage ditch it won't be long before it falls over and given it's size could take away half my building.