Visitors to Linton Village Fete on the afternoon of Sunday, September 4th, from 2pm, will be invited to share their memories and photographs of the ancient yew growing in St Mary’s churchyard.

The Common Yew is the oldest living thing to be found in Britain and the tree at Linton, a village close to Ross-on-Wye, is of special interest. The Conservation Foundation has written a letter stating: “St Mary’s Linton stands on an ancient site, distinguished by the oldest tree in England (4,000 years, according to certain authorities) and may have a history connected with the Christian community at ancient Ariconium. To have such an ancient, living, albeit silent, witness to your parish’s history is something that is worth celebrating.”

They have invited the village to apply for a grant to celebrate and protect the yew tree. To qualify for a grant it is necessary to compile as much information as possible about the tree from the community. As well as photographs and personal reminiscences, the thoughts and feelings about a yew which has stood for so long as a silent witness in the churchyard will all make a valuable addition to the application. Reminiscences could include the devastating fire in the tree in 1998 or the Millennium Initiative when cuttings were taken and some 8,500 parishes chose to plant a Millennium Yew.

There will be an opportunity to see what is already known about the Linton Yew in a special display at the fete. Fete-goers will be asked how the village should recognise its claim to have the oldest tree in England.

If you require any further information or wish to contribute material to this initiative please contact Roger Davies (email address:[email protected]).

In addition to the tree measuring htere will be a Silent Auction for a quilt stitched be members of Linton WI in aid of St Michael’s Hospice

The inspirational quilt would grace any home, the dexterity and detail involved is quite amazing, and hours of work have gone into completing it, and the final result really is quite stunning.

There are lots of other attractions at the Fete too, including the sale of organ pipes from the recently re-furbished organ, and plenty to get involved with before the Fete even starts! You can make your teddy a parachute, bring him or her along and see them fly from the Church Tower; Enter the light-hearted competitions; including produce, baking and flower competitions and a Fun Dog Show; - bring your dog along and enter the seriously daft classes; have your face painted; enjoy the variety of traditional games and stalls; and make sure you arrive early for the cakes, jams and chutneys! Traditional games stalls include lucky dip ~ tombola, ~ produce stall, ~ plant stall ~ Skittle Alley ~ WI Teas will be served at the Village Hall. There will be a Barbecue and Music at the Church, and delicious homemade jams and chutneys made by VoLT (Village of Linton Trust), will be also be available to purchase. Entry forms for competitors are available from St. Mary’s Church, the Village Hall and on the website. The emphasis is on fun and community rather than competition in all events, (and some classes really are quite silly) and not all events or stalls are listed here, so come along, join in, - and be prepared to enjoy yourself beyond expectation! It all starts at 2pm.