Dunham Massey WI arranged for a tree to be planted, as requested by the Cheshire Federation of Women’s Institutes, for their Centenary celebrations in 2020.
The National Trust kindly agreed for a tree to be planted in their grounds. This is a rare privilege and was only allowed due to our strong links with Dunham Massey Hall as Lady Penelope Countess of Stamford was our founder and the first President of Dunham Massey WI. She was also the Chairman of the Cheshire Federation from 1922 to 1926.
After the planting we had a very special onlooker checking that all was correct Institute. On Thursday 13th February 2020 at 9.30am (in the rain), ten WI ladies and Paul our photographer were met at entrance to the gardens by Emily the head gardener. She took us to the bed where the planting of the tree was to take place. The tree had been brought up from their nursery in Devon and is a rare Magnolia named Biondii and will bear scented white flowers edged with pink. No plaques are allowed by the tree, but this event will be commemorated in the Memorial Book which will be displayed in the Manor House during Spring/Summer 2020.
