Rowan tree planted at St George Church, Oakenrod

Planting the tree at St George Church, Oakenrod

Members of the community braved torrential rain recently to plant a rowan tree at St George Church, Oakenrod, Bury Road.

Canon Reverend Karen Smeeton welcomed community members to the tree planting ceremony which was part of the Amaani Initiative.

The rowan tree, a native of England, has a long tradition in European mythology and folklore. It is thought to be a magical tree that provides protection. The tree was donated by Rochdale Council of Mosques as part of their contribution to the initiative and their desire to bring communities together.

Imam Mubashir, from the Golden Mosque, joined the group and spoke of the importance of trees within all scriptures. He emphasised his desire to bring communities together to make Rochdale a better place.

The ground was prepared by Bob Bevan, Rochdale Council Park Ranger, who ensured that the tree was planted with the best chances of survival and was in line with the keeping of the area.

Present at the ceremony were Nadia, Samina and Asrar Ul-Haq, the family who founded the initiative, with the intention of contributing to the fight against climate change, reducing pollution and enhancing Rochdale’s natural beauty.

Canon Smeeton and Imam Mubashir offered prayers before the tree was planted and Canon Smeeton blessed the tree once the rowan tree was firmly in place.

Canon Smeeton said: “We are very happy to be a part of the initiative and welcome the opportunity to work together to make Rochdale a better, greener place.”