Some 200 feet above the lake at Watermead on the north side of Aylesbury is a very rare tree. It’s a black poplar, planted by Roger Jefcoate in honour of Sir Henry Aubrey Fletcher.

This memorial tree overlooks another memorial at the bottom of the steep path. This other memorial, of polished black stone, is in recognition of those who died or had their lives affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Thanksgiving Service held in the Aylesbury Vale Crematorium on 10th August, mention was made of the orthopaedic metals recovered during cremation. This rare and expensive material has been recycled by the owners of Aylesbury Vale Crematorium and the rewards donated to charity.

There are several other black poplar trees planted by Roger locally, by the Bearbrook outside the Waterside Theatre and in the grounds of Waterside House on the site of the old Aylesbury race course. Farther afield, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has appreciated Roger’s contribution of black poplars in her estate at Sandringham.