Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans said general practitioners Micheil Sweet and Ralph Peters had served the municipality for nearly as long as Queen Elizabeth II had been on the throne. At Arthur Square, he invited the doctors to unveil a plaque and ceremonially plant a green beech. They were presented with certificates and silver commemorative coins in recognition of their long service, extending from the 1950s in Dr Sweet's case and the 1960s in Dr Peters' case.
Gary Webb from the Derwent Scottish Pipe Band gave a marathon hour-long bagpipe performance that earned the appreciation of those present.
It seems strange to be planting an English native tree,all the way down here in Tasmania.Surely an Australian tree would have been more appropriate ,i am sure the Brits would not be planting a Gum tree if the ceremony had been held in the UK.
ReplyDeleteNo photo of the horrible piece of stone with the hideous plaque? Whose dreadful idea was that? An insult to Her Majesty I believe. Marred a very nice ceremony with two very honourable local doctors.
ReplyDeleteLiz
At first i thought the stone was concrete noticed fresh cement . it may be sanstone but for a piece this old i would have expected it to be a loverley cream sand colour patinia but alas it has been vandleised. the plaque is rather small and really the title should be Her Majesty Queen ELIzabeth 11 after all we only have 1 Queen. IT classes well with the 1960s fountain as do most things in the old town of ours. Peter
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