07 May 2025
A group of Soroptimists and friends gathered in St Albans’ Civic Rose Garden for a tree dedication and the installation of a plaque in memory of member Jean Eaton.
They were joined by volunteers from the Civic Rose
Garden Regeneration Project, Neil Kieran from SADC’s White Ribbon steering group, Cllr Jacqui Taylor and Chloe Sykes, social value officer from Morgan Sindall.
The cherry tree was planted last year as part of the garden regeneration and subsequently dedicated to Soroptimist and St Albans community champion Jean.
As well as the tree, 300 orange tulip bulbs were planted as part of the Orange The World campaign to end violence against women and girls, as donated by SADC and Morgan Sindall.
Neil Kieran, SADC principal community safety officer, said: “This is a wonderful tribute to Jean who was a true community hero.
“She did an immense amount of voluntary work for numerous local charities such as St Albans Soroptimists and was a formidable fundraiser.
“As a council, we have actively supported the Orange the World and White Ribbon campaigns along with the Soroptimists and other agencies to end male violence against women and girls.
“The planting of orange tulips beside Jean’s plaque and memorial tree in the Rose Garden helps to highlight that cause and we are grateful for the funding provided by our housing repairs contractor,
Morgan Sindall Property Services, for this work.”
Jean’s friend Meryl Brooks said: “It was a privilege to attend – Jean would have been in her element.”
Soroptimist and friend Helen Byrne added: “It was perfect. The volunteers have done a great job of reinvigorating a very tired place. It looks lovely now and the tree is beautiful. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in town. Jean would definitely approve!”
The garden can be found north of the Civic Centre and behind the buildings on the east side of St Peter’s Street.
