Tamworth Lions clubs replant memorial grove at Bicentennial Park

The grove replaces the one that was knocked down to make way for the new playground at Bicentennial Park.

The original 22 trees were planted in 1991, with each tree representing one of the 22 Lions districts in Australia.

Tamworth Lionsonoz member Warren White said each district had its own district governor.

A former district governor himself, Mr White said every year the district governors did something to remember the Lions members who passed away during the year.

At the Multiple District Lions Convention held in Tamworth May 1991, the district governors each planted a tree as a memorial gesture to their fallen members.

Mr White said when the new playground was built, the architects were unaware of the significance of the trees and slated them to be removed.

“By the time the decision to remove the trees was brought to the attention of the local Lions Club members, it was too late to do anything about it,” Mr White said.

“However following a meeting between the four Lions Clubs and Tamworth Region Council, it was agreed to replant a grove of trees to provide the same significance the original grove held and reinstalled the original plaque.”

The new grove was planted next to Hopscotch Cafe, opposite the play equipment.

Mr White said he had kept the Lions of Australia in touch with the original trees, which had reached 10 to 12 metres in height.

“I was sending them photos and telling them how they’re going – suddenly, I had to tell everyone ‘hey, we’ve lost them,” Mr White said, laughing.

The new trees are Manchurian Pears, rather than the original eucalyptus.

“They have good shade and don’t drop their limbs – the eucalyptus trees dropped their limbs and there was concern given there are lots of children around here,” Mr White said.

Tamworth councillor and South Tamworth Lions member Russell Webb said the trees would extend the area families were able to use, with parents able to enjoy the shade of the hill, while watch their kids play on the equipment.

“Give this four years and it will look magnificent,” Cr Webb said.