Gary Headland, Chief Executive Officer at Activate Learning, Engineering students and staff at Guildford College have today planted a commemorative tree at the campus on Stoke Road, in honour of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
The tree marks the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne and the beginning of celebrations across the Activate Learning group.
The students and staff were joined by Chair of Governors, Sue Sturgeon, to mark the special occasion and its upcoming celebrations.
After Mr Headland gave a speech to reflect on the historic occasion and the importance of sustainability within the community, the students were pleased to proceed with the ceremonial planting.
Gary Headland said: “It has been wonderful to come together as a college community, with the wider community we are part of, to mark this incredibly special occasion and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“This is but a small token of our appreciation and respect for everything Her Majesty has done for the people of this country in her time as monarch, but one I hope will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
Aptly located in view of the College’s Jubilee Building, the Acer Griseum tree is embellished with a commemorative plaque in honour of Her Majesty and the celebrations.
Neil Axon, Head of Campus – Student Experience at Guildford College said: “We are so proud to be able to mark the Platinum Jubilee in this way, by involving some of our students in the ceremonial planting of this tree, and we hope that it is enjoyed by many Guildford College students in future years.” 
The ceremony at Guildford College is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative, which invites people from across the UK to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
Sue Sturgeon said: “As Chair of Governors at Activate Learning, I am delighted to be a part of today’s ceremonial tree planting celebrating Her Royal Majesty’s 70 years of public service.
“Her historic reign will leave a far-reaching legacy across generations and Activate Learning is proud to be able to mark this occasion with this token of appreciation for her years of dedication.”
Mike Tilbrook, Level 3 Engineering student at Guildford College, helped to plant the tree and said: “I was honoured to be asked to be a part of today’s event and I hope the tree that I helped to plant today, continues to grow for generations to come.”
Activate Learning is committed to championing ongoing sustainability, as illustrated within the group’s Strategic Plan, Empowering Learning.
The group continue to work on projects that drive sustainability and meets the needs of their local communities.