It was the copper beech tree by the Wilson Memorial which inspired this year's Coronation event. In mid-April we managed to identify one of "the children of Gateacre" who, according to the plaque alongside, had planted it in 1953. She is Mrs Margaret Simm - now retired, but for 27 years a teacher at Belle Vale Primary School. She has written down what she remembers of the occasion:

"My memories of 1953 are that the village celebrated with an event on the Cricket Field, then several children went to the Green to plant the tree. I was nine, and the eldest, so I took the spade and put soil around the roots and my Father told me to 'heel it in'. I have lived in Gateacre all my life, and have watched it mature into a lovely tree".
(There's a photograph of the children - including young Margaret - dancing round the maypole on the Cricket Field on page 57 of our book 'Gateacre & Belle Vale').

On 18th April we were pleased to welcome BBCtv journalist Davinia Ramos, who interviewed Margaret about the 1953 event for the North West Tonight news programme. Sadly, it would seem that the footage ended up "on the cutting-room floor" - though Gateacre (and our 2023 plaque) was still featured, thanks to a contribution from Barbara Mace, when the programme was eventually broadcast on 3rd May.