BRIAN Meaden, owner of the Moorland Garden Hotel near Yelverton, last week joined staff and general manager Andrew Jenkins in planting an oak tree to mark the hotel's 80th anniversary year. Commonly associated with 80th anniversaries, oak trees symbolise strength and longevity. The commemorative tree planting celebrates 80 years since the hotel's foundation stone was laid on August 15, 1934. Mr Meaden said: 'This year has been all about marking the original foundations of the hotel, and planting an oak tree seemed an appropriate way to celebrate the roots that we and the staff have put down to help take this grand old dame forward for another 80 years. 'There has been a good deal of work and passion invested in restoring the hotel to its former glory since we took ownership and we're delighted to be at the helm for this milestone anniversary.'