Mayor of Chelmsford plants tree to commemorate year in office

Cllr Janette Potter has planted a tree to mark her year in office as the Mayor of Chelmsford.

She chose to plant a Callery pear tree (flowering pear) on Pipers Tye in her city council ward of Galleywood.

Cllr Janette Potter plants a Callery pear tree to commemorate her year as Mayor of Chelmsford.

During the tree planting ceremony on Monday 2 December, Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, gave a welcome speech in which she shared more about this special species of tree:

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“Today we are planting a Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’, also known as the Callery pear, to celebrate Cllr Potter’s term as Mayor of Chelmsford.

“This species of tree is considered one of the most successful cultivars of pear. It has healthy, glossy green leaves that remain on the tree until autumn and then turn a lovely burnished yellow with red tints. When the tree blooms in spring it does so in abundance, with striking white flowers that attract our vital pollinators. The Callery pear thrives on most soil types, tolerates air pollution and provides shelter for birds and insects, making it a wonderful addition to this green space for many years to come.”

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford

The Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend David Cattle of St. Michael and All Angels’ Church, then led a prayer and said a few words:

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“Psalm 92 says that those who are righteous – who are good and loving – will flourish like the palm tree or the cedar. I know it’s not a palm tree or cedar that we are planting today, but the sentiment still applies. Those who do good in our community will flourish and will help our community to flourish.

“May this tree be a reminder of the goodness of God, the goodness that is within us, and the goodness that we can share with others in our community.”

Reverend David Cattle, The Mayor’s Chaplain

Following the planting, the parks team presented the mayor with a special inscribed spade to keep and remember her time in office. Cllr Potter was elected as Chelmsford’s mayor in May 2024 and will continue in the role until May 2025.

The mayor gave thanks for this special occasion:

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“I am truly honoured to have this beautiful Callery pear tree planted in my home ward of Galleywood to commemorate my time as Mayor of Chelmsford. After my term is over, I will reflect on the wonderful memories of my time in office each time I pass this tree. I shall immensely enjoy watching it grow, flower and support a small ecosystem as it flourishes in the years to come.”

"I’d like to give a special thanks to all those who have supported me in my mayoral duties thus far, and to the parks team for organising this wonderful tree planting.”

Cllr Janette Potter, Mayor of Chelmsford