Representatives from different faiths, plus local community members, came together, as part of One Town One Community for a symbolic tree planting event at Boston Park in Rotherham
The event was led by Cllr Rose McNeely – the Mayor of Rotherham and Cllr Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development, Equality and Young People’s issues, with support from Maurice Bartley from the Rotherham Interfaith Group, Father Des Sexton from the Roman Catholic Church, Abdullah Mohammed from Rotherham’s Yemeni Community Association, Jo Mailer from the Wahung Chinese Community Association, Mr Yasseen from the (Chapel Walk) Mosque and the council’s Green Spaces department.
Seven half-grown trees were planted, which are representative of many regions across the world but which have a link back to Rotherham, as well as a tree native to Britain and Western Europe. The trees that were chosen can withstand our hardy Northern climate and produce a wide variety of berries and flowers that will be of interest to local wildlife and enhance the beauty of the area.
Cllr Hussain started the proceedings by talking about how the planting of these trees symbolised the many different faiths and communities who live within our community and how important it is that we all come together to take part in activities that benefit our environment. He also spoke about how each tree will put down their roots and whilst growing will release life-giving oxygen, helping to reduce Carbon Dioxide levels in the fight against climate change. He commented on how pleased he was to see so many young people attending the tree planting as it is they who will be able to continue these good works of bringing people from different faiths together in the future.
Councillor Mahroof Hussain from Rotherham Council, said: “These trees were carefully chosen to represent the population of Rotherham and to symbolise peace and understanding between different groups. All faiths share a love of nature and our hope is that these trees will grow and flourish and it will become a place where different faiths can come together to build understanding and unity.”
Cllr Rose McNeely mentioned in her speech the organisation the Friends of Boston Castle and how they are hoping to secure funding for the regeneration of the nearby castle and how it would be great if the tree planting encouraged more people to use Boston Park and get involved in activities that bring different faiths together.
Father Des Sexton from the Roman Catholic Church talked about how throughout history and even today, when a different faith group or group moves into an area there can be disharmony. However, he said that activities like the tree planting were a symbol of co-operation and clearly demonstrate how we are all part of One Town One Community. He talked about how faith is often seen as divisive, when in fact we should be sharing what is good about every religion and sharing more openness and co-operation.
The seven trees planted included:
• Whitebeam – native to Britain and Western Europe
• Golden Rain Tree – native to India, Pakistan, China and Korea
• Walnut – native to Balkans through to Himalayas and South-West China
• Himalayan Birch – native to Himalayas, India to Nepal and Central to West Asia
• Kashmir Rowan – native to Western Himalaya including Kashmir
• Medlar – native to South-West Asia and South Eastern Europe
• Turkish Hazel – native to South East Europe and South West Asia
Anyone is welcome to attend Rotherham’s Interfaith Group meetings which are held at 5.30pm on the 3rd Monday of every Month at the Unity Centre, with the next meeting scheduled for 21st February to discuss the Nature’s Haven Project.
Rotherham’s One Town, One Community programme is about creating a feeling of belonging to one community here in Rotherham, where individuals demonstrate unity, mutual understanding and shared values, celebrating our differences and what binds us all together.
For more information on One Town One Community, visit the website www.rotherham.gov.uk/onetownonecommunity