The Uprooting of the Weeping Beech

During the period between Christmas evening and Boxing Day morning, the cherished ‘Weeping Beech’ tree in the Old Cemetery was uprooted. Today was the first occasion that Billy, the Chairman, and I, as Secretary, were able to visit the site and see the tree that had fallen.

It was very sad to witness the magnificent tree, which had stood for many years in the cemetery, now lying on the ground. Having been present for countless events and changes, the tree had silently observed a great deal of history. For many members of the community, it offered shelter from the hot weather, while others marvelled at the distinctive knots and bumps that had formed over decades on its trunk and branches.

This year, the tree served a special purpose as the ‘Memory Tree’. Members of the public were invited to place a bauble on its branches in memory of a loved one. Its role as a place of remembrance made its loss all the more poignant, as many found comfort and solace beneath its canopy.

At present, it is not possible to determine the full extent of any damage caused to headstones in the Old Cemetery, as much of the tree remains to be removed. The Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) do not have the capacity to undertake this task alone. Most of the clearance work will be carried out by Bereavement Services in partnership with Southampton City Council (SCC), the latter has been informed.

A member of FoSOC has taken cuttings from the fallen tree, hoping that they may eventually grow again. However, it will take many decades for any new growth to resemble the original tree. Fingers crossed for the future!