Haskins in Ferndown donated a Cascading Hearts tree (cercis canadensis) to Poole Hospital to celebrate 50 years since Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new hospital.

The tree planting ceremony took place on Thursday July 11 at 12 noon. The Chief Executive of Poole Hospital, Debbie Fleming, joined Haskins staff for the ceremony. The tree was planted in the courtyard outside the Dolphin Restaurant, the hospital’s main dining room, following speeches from Debbie and the Chairman, David Moss.

Three members of staff from Haskins in Ferndown, Marc Etheridge, Assistant General Manager, and Ivan Gill and Tom Harbor, both Goods In staff, all attended the tree planting ceremony at Poole Hospital. Marc, Ivan and Tom were responsible for delivering the tree as well as assisting with planting it. A plaque in the courtyard now marks the event and the new Cascading Hearts tree.

Marc commented: “It was brilliant to be involved in the tree planting ceremony at Poole Hospital and a real privilege to be involved in commemorating such an important milestone.”

Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new Poole Hospital 50 years ago and to mark this milestone, Poole Hospital celebrated in various ways throughout the day.

Debbie Fleming, Chief Executive of Poole Hospital, commented: “It’s a real honour to be able to mark the occasion and to thank all our staff, volunteers and supporters for all their commitment, and for the great care they provide, everyday, for our patients.

“It’s also a time to reflect on the contribution that the hospital has made over the past fifty years in providing excellent care for local people, and look forwards with optimism to the next 50 years and beyond.”

Haskins Garden Centre is located in Ferndown, Dorset. Visit www.haskins.co.uk for more information.