Tree Information: ID 155

"I first met this tree in 1971, when we moved into our new home in Loughton. Every Friday night we would walk to the Foresters Arms in Baldwins Hill, passing the tree on the way up York Hill. I have to admit that I usually missed it on the way home! We moved to the other end of Loughton in 1976 and not long after that we were walking past the tree on Friday nights again, this time with a pram, on the way down York Hill to the Co-op in the High Road for our weekly shopping. When our children started school at Staples Road the tree was on the walk to school and whenever work allowed I would take them to school or pick them up. We would often stop and look up at the tree and wonder how old it was and how far you could see from the top. Our children have both grown up and left home, we still pass the tree if we walk down to the High Road for an evening meal and a drink but being older and wiser now we notice it on the way back, well usually! When you have known and watched something grow for 35 years you would expect to know all about it, but despite several attempts to name my favourite tree I have so far failed. I have a feeling that it is not a native tree but I am sure it would be a "welcome" visitor on your list." Brian Holmes

This tree stands in a private garden opposite 50 York Hill, Loughton. (Right hand side as you walk up the road) It is visible from the footpath.