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END OF AN ERA FOR MANOR HOUSE TREE |
 The Oak Tree at the Manor House grounds has stood for many generations a silent witness to many happenings and events, but sadly it has now been removed. Owners of the Manor House and estate have come and gone, and in most cases have had a decided influence on village life, but the tree has always been there. . A large proportion of the Abbots Langley Cricket Club’s life has been re-enacted at the Manor House grounds and has hosted matches against teams with international players and star personalities of stage and screen, all this under the presence of the oak tree. If the cricket ball hit any part of the tree the batsman would be awarded four runs. If only the oak could speak of what wonderful tales and events it had witnessed. Over its 250 years it has withstood the vagaries of the weather and all that the various seasons could throw at it with one exception - lightening! Some 30 years or more ago it was struck twice, evidence of this could be witnessed by the large scar down its trunk. Sadly, as a result, the centre of the tree became rotten and over the course of time was the main reason for the necessity for it to be felled. Despite some drastic remedial work in lopping off some of the branches, it was hoped this would regenerate it into new life, but this was to prove unsuccessful and on April 7 th the tree was duly
despatched by a tree surgeon. Councillors Jane and Leon Lay, in memory of Jane’s late Mother, Drusilla Dennis, have kindly donated two new replacement oaks outside the cricket boundary.
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