http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/rss.php Supporting the conservation of England's oldest Catalpa tree en-gb Sun, 20 May 2012 11:31:35 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 11:31:35 GMT http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk info@rochestercatalpatree.co.uk info@rochestercatalpatree.co.uk http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=16 http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=16 City Trader Supports Appeal Godfrey George of Baggins Book Bazaar has been collecting donated books to raise money for the appeal. Trees make paper, paper makes books, books help save tree. Godfrey George who runs Baggins Book Bazaar in the High Street has joined the campaign to save the Catalpa tree.  He is collecting books to sell specifically for the Fund Appeal.  So if you have any books in good condition that you do not need and would like to support the appeal to save this iconic tree, please visit the shop to make a donation or to buy. You can call the shop on 01634 811651 or visit the website at the link above. http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=17 http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=17 Coffee Shop Supports Appeal The Rochester Coffee Co., Rochester's premiere Coffee House, is supporting Cllr Sue Haydock's appeal for funds to save the much loved and iconic tree which has stood in front of Rochester Cathedral for over 150 years. Susan Haydock, Fern Alder and Geoff from the Rochester Coffee Co. present the cheque for £250. Click to view larger image. The Catalpa, otherwise known as an American Indian bean tree, is in urgent need of conservation work to preserve it for future generations.  The appeal aims to raise the £22,000 needed for the most urgent work to provide new props, ground improvement works and extended railings. A spokesman for the Rochester Coffee Co. said, "Through our charity, we are investing in local heritage to make sure our local historic buildings and landscapes are available for future generations.  Part of the proceeds from the sale of our Fairtrade coffee and tea, are donated via our charity, to schools and worthy causes, to promote heritage to young people.  This donation of £250.00 fits in well with our desire for the Rochester Coffee Co to be supporting the rich heritage of the Rochester community." Cllr. Sue Haydock says “I kick-started the appeal with a contribution from my council Ward Improvement Fund.  Since then it has grown steadily.  This donation from the Rochester Coffee Co. will be a terrific boost, and enable early work to start once the necessary approvals have been granted.” Fern Alder, a Medway Tree Warden, said: “The tree is a rare example of a summer flowering tree.  Even the leaves have nectar and it is a favourite with bees. The Woodland Trust has been doing a national survey of ancient trees and this one has now been registered". Click here to visit the Rochester Coffee Co. website. http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=27 http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=27 More than earning a crust... Pizza Express in Rochester have raised a fantastic £455.25 for the appeal, giving our fund thermometer a much needed boost.  The scheme - brainchild of branch manager Matthew Jury - pledged to donate 25 pence for every Padana pizza that was sold.  You can read the original article here. Matthew organised a Rochester High Street businesses party for the cheque presentation and said, “The vegetarian pizza has proved very popular.  For every one ordered, PizzaExpress have donated 25p to the appeal.  The sponsorship runs until next April so there is still time to support the cause”. Cllr Sue Haydock, founder of the appeal said, “I am very grateful to PizzaExpress for their support.  Our total is steadily climbing and we have now have over £4,000 available to continue very necessary conservation work”. Why not check out Pizza Express's mouth-watering menu over at their Rochester website.  And remember, the Padana scheme is ongoing, so why not try one out and help the tree in the process. Thanks again to Pizza Express and their customers! PizzaExpress Manager Matthew Jury, and his assistant Jamie Percival, present the cheque to Medway Tree Warden Fern Alder (left) and Sue Haydock (right).   http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=30 http://www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk/?pID=30 Update - October 2011 We are now on the final ‘push’ to raise the funds needed to get the new railings in place to save our precious landmark Catalpa tree outside Rochester Cathedral. Medway Council have now completed the important task of removing all weeds and grasses from the area around the roots of the tree, and it it now mulched, which will be extremely beneficial. It falls within the remit of all ‘Friends’ and supporters of the Rochester Catalpa Tree to raise the final funding sum to extend the railings, so that the damaging footfall at the base of the tree will be obviated and the tree will be protected from further damage. The final works are: New oak props This work is in hand with Medway Council. Propagation Again, the work of propagating a new tree from this tree for the future has been taken up my Medway Council. Works Management We now have to employ an archaeologist to oversee the works at the cost of £1830. Planning permission Total cost of £170. Railings Option 1 (preferred) is to reuse the current railings and extend with new railings at an estimated cost of £7955. Option 2 is to have all new railings at an estimated cost of £9890.