Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Mrs Ruth Winterbottom today 'planted' the new Caton Oak. At a ceremony also attended by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Janie Kirkman, villagers and members of the Parish Council witnessed the proceedings.

The sapling had been grown from an acorn from the original tree and planted earlier in the day by the parish linesman.

The Chairman of Caton-with-Littledale Parish Council, Ian Maxwell, opened by setting the historical scene - "fish being sold on the fishstones under the shade of a giant oak". Fantasy or not, our present oak is no longer mighty so action was required to ensure continuation of an oak on this site.

The High Sheriff unveiled the plaque which reads:

The Ancient Oak Tree has long been a symbol of the Village of Caton. Concerned at the decline in its condition, on account of its great age, Caton-with-Littledale Parish Council decided that a Successor Tree should be planted alongside. This new tree has been grown from an acorn harvested from the Ancient Oak and was planted on

27th April 2007

by

The High Sheriff of Lancashire
Mrs. Ruth Winterbottom

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lancaster
Councillor Janie Kirkman

and

The Chairman of Caton-with-Littledale Parish Council
Councillor Ian Maxwell

The Mayor gave a few rousing words to end the short ceremony and then officials and invited guests retired to the comfort of the Ship Inn to take refreshment.