A HYBRID peace rose has been planted on Hutton Magna’s green to mark the first anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown, thanks to a thoughtful villager.
Bill Brophy felt he had to do something to commemorate those who have died of the disease and it was his partner Joan McLennan who came up with the idea of planting on the green. After some research they discovered the peace rose, which had been cultivated by expert David Austin.
Mr Brophy said: “We asked the parish and they were overwhelmingly in support. It was the nearest rose I could find that indicated people passing and now at peace.”
He added that the rose has the dual purpose of not only being a memorial to those who have been lost but also it expected to flower at a time when restrictions are expected to be lifted, thereby allowing people to bloom.
The couple called on the expertise of neighbour Vera Henderson for planting the rose last month. Ms Henderson, who has 30 of her own roses, said: “It is quite vigorous – you will definitely get flowers off it this summer. It is a David Austin – it is the best you can get.”
