Abbeylands residents mark anniversary with planting of Tree of Hope
On Saturday June 17, the residents association at Abbeylands in Mullingar held a Tree of Hope community planting event to mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of the estate.
The association wanted to mark the anniversary by creating a focal point for the community to enjoy, while highlighting the importance of positive mental health and the benefits of promoting biodiversity in all communities.
The Tree of Hope is a concept that started some 10 years ago in Dublin, when Noeleen Fulham wanted to create a message for anyone struggling in any way, that there is always hope, no matter what they are going through.
The Tree of Hope became popular in the area and soon other areas followed suit. There are currently approximately 279 such Trees of Hope across greater Dublin, including in the garden of Leinster House and even in Mountjoy Prison. Noeleen has reported that Trees of Hope have been planted as far away as France and even Australia.
The concept has spread to other areas of awareness, including some children’s charities and some environmental organisations. The Committee of Abbeylands Residents Association learned that there were no such Trees of Hope in Westmeath.
That was something the committee really wanted to rectify and so the decision was made to combine the 25th anniversary celebrations with the planting of their Tree of Hope.
As a residents association, there was no budget for it, but the committee were determined to see it through. They approached Cllr Bill Collentine, chairperson of Mullingar Tidy Towns, Laura Costello of Westmeath Public Partnership Network, Cllr Ken Glynn and the Environmental and Heritage Offices of Westmeath County Council and Buckley’s SuperValu, Mullingar, in the hope that some sponsorship might be forthcoming.
The response was overwhelming. Bill and the team sourced the tree from Kelly’s Nurseries in Deerpark, the flowers for the surrounding flowerbed from Slanemore Nurseries in Walshestown and volunteers put their own skills to use in helping out with the event.
Buckley’s SuperValu ensured everyone was fed and watered with lovely treats for all. Westmeath PPN and WCC sponsored goodie bags, including information on biodiversity, the green dog walking initiative, recycling and pollination. Local funeral director Brendan Ennis sponsored the custom made plaque to commemorate the planting of the tree.
WPPN sponsored wonderful colouring books for the children of Abbeylands to colour, with colours sponsored by Yo-Yo Youth café in Mullingar and colouring competitions were launched (prizegiving from Mullingar Tidy Towns in a few weeks).
On the day of the event, guest speakers PJ Fitzpatrick from Crann/ Tree Magazine, Rosie McCormack and John Bawle of Mullingar Tidy Towns and Pearl Brock of Think Well Psychotherapy Clinic addressed the attendees.
Afterwards the Tree of Hope was planted, followed by planting of the surrounding flower bed by the children and young people of Abbeylands.
The tree was then dressed with the Tree of Hope stake to remind everyone that there is always hope; the custom-made plaque to commemorate the event and the yellow bow to symbolise hope and joy.
The residents of Abbeylands attended in great numbers, and they were joined by neighbouring residents associations and James McDonnell, the landscaper who keeps Abbeylands well manicured. Thankfully the weather was beautiful and the rain held off.
The committee of Abbeylands Residents Association, led by Alice Claffy, chairperson, and Irene Rutherford, secretary, thanked the sponsors and other backers, as well as the local media for their support for the event. It is sincerely appreciated and the committee look forward to seeing more Trees of Hope being planted across Mullingar, Westmeath and further afield.