THE parterre at Endsleigh Gardens was the setting for the recent presentation of life membership of the Tavistock Tree Group to founding co-ordinator Brian Fyfield-Shayler, who stepped down from the group after a highly successful ten years.

Current chair Howard Jones and social co-ordinator Stephanie Blanchard made the presentations of a life membership certificate, together with a gift of cuff links.

Brian gave a speech reflecting the group's achievements in the past and hopes for the future.

Gardener Simon was on hand to give members a tour of the gardens at Endsleigh, formerly the home of the Duke of Bedford and his family when in Tavistock. The garden was designed by Humphry Repton in 1811 and contains trees planted following plant hunting expeditions financed by successive Dukes.

On the afternoon of July 11, the group will visit Lewtrenchard Manor Gardens, the former home of Dartmoor antiquarian and hymn writer Sabine Baring Gould, where there will be a tour of the grounds which contain fine trees, including a well known avenue of beeches known as 'Ladies' Walk'. Following the tour, tea will be served at the hotel, in the garden if the weather is fine.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Stephanie Blanchard on Tavistock 01822 614831 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]