As part of our 80 Trees for 80 Years campaign to celebrate AJR’s 80th anniversary this year, a native oak tree was planted at Herbert Gardens in Clevedon sponsored by our Chief Executive Michael Newman.
Michael and his family attended the tree-planting ceremony in honour of Michael’s grandmother, Sally Reynolds (Chaje Sara Geppert), who fled Nazi Germany in August of 1939 and spent some time living in Clevedon before moving to London. The tree has been planted in memory of Sally, as well as her family who tragically perished in the Holocaust.
Michael said, “My family and I are very grateful to the Council, particularly Judith and Sue, who have made today possible. We feel honoured to be able to plant this tree in memory of my grandmother who lived and worked here in Clevedon having found refuge in Britain fleeing Nazi oppression on a domestic visa. We note that today also marks the first day of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, when we celebrate the miracle of new life emerging from destruction, a story that is often cited in parallel to the Holocaust.”
Also at the ceremony was Councilor Judith West, who said, “Clevedon Town Council, who helped arrange the ceremony, wishes great strength in the life of this tree that symbolises so much, and hopes that it serves as both a reminder of the past and a positive message for the future.”
