On Sunday August 10th, hurricane Bertha could do nothing to disuade David Webb's family and friends from the village from turning up to honour him as Reverend Canon Harry Edwards blessed the new oak tree on Palmers Green. Following a speech from James Darkins and the blessing, David's grandson Oscar helped unveil the plaque beneath the tree.
See pictures here: David Webb's Oak Tree
If anyone has any photographs of the event they would like to share please send them to the gallery.
The Reverend Canon Edwards's Blessing:
When I was a boy aged 8, and about to be sent to Boarding School I dug up some soil from the garden, put it in a jam jar, and treasured it as a precious link with home.
Remembering that moment made me think again of the importance of place in our lives. Where do we feel most at home, where do we feel we truly belong, where do we plant our standard?
For David it was always Walberswick, and how fitting that the roots of this tree planted in his memory should reach deep into the good soil of Walberswick.
And in honour of David, I am wearing for the first time my Father’s Clerical scarf with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve motif woven on it. He was a Chaplain in the Royal Navy in the last war, and somehow it provides a visible link with family ties, David’s naval service, and his love for his country.
And so let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for David’s life, and for all gave in service, and with love, for this Village.
May those who shelter under its branches in years to come be reminded of his love of this place, and his desire to protect it for future generations. And may the roots of this tree reach deeply into good Suffolk soil, and its branches provide delight and beauty to all who pass by.
We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The Webb family have sent the following message of thanks to the village:
"We would like to thank everyone who braved Hurricane Bertha to celebrate the blessing and dedication of the oak tree to David on Palmers Green. The thunder, lightning and rain made the blessing and picnic a special and memorable day and it was wonderful to see so many of Dad's friends and family there to celebrate David's contribution to village life. Thank you to the Common Lands Trustees for the dedication of the oak tree, James Darkins for his lovely words and to Rev Canon Harry Edwards for his beautiful blessing. We are very proud to have Dad remembered in such a special way for generations to come, Thank you all."