A VILLAGE has come together to celebrate a lasting tribute to community spirit, nature and the nation’s new monarch.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton, officially opened a new community orchard in Stapleford on May 1, marking the occasion with the unveiling of a commemorative plinth.

The orchard, planted with 16 fruit trees, was created to celebrate the accession of King Charles III, with funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund and Wiltshire Council.

During her speech, and her first visit to the village, Dame Sarah praised the project, noting the King’s well-known support for environmental initiatives.

She said she would pass on the message that Stapleford had “done him proud” with its carefully planned orchard.

The project is also a heartfelt tribute to Lavinia Wells, who first suggested the idea.

Her vision was brought to life by Dr Richard Wells, with expert guidance from Rob tan Doeschalte, who selected the young saplings.

Rev. Jonathan Plows blessed the trees and Andy Rhind-Tutt contributed a plum tree which will also be planted in the orchard. (Picture: Terry Waldron)

But it was a true community effort.

Members of the village Gardening Club formed a dedicated task force, digging planting holes, installing stakes and protective fencing, and even carrying buckets of water from the river during last summer’s dry spell to help the young trees thrive.

Those involved gathered to celebrate the opening with refreshments, raising a glass to a project rooted in both remembrance and hope for the future.

The orchard was blessed by Rev Jonathan Plows, adding a further sense of occasion, while Andy Rhind-Tutt contributed an additional plum tree to the growing space.