Cherry tree planted in memory of Cofton Hackett postie

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/201 ... 90569.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A MUCH-loved Cofton Hackett postman had an ornamental cherry tree planted in his memory on the roundabout outside Cofton Post Office, on the junction of Parsonage Drive and Groveley Lane.

Peter Smith loyally served the residents of Cofton Hackett for 28 years until he passed away from cancer at the age of 58 in February 2011.

On Sunday (November 17) friends, family and neighbours took turns to plant the soil on the island outside the postman’s place of work, while they reminisced about Peter.

The idea to plant the tree first arose when Post Office staff notified the neighbourhood watch that two cherry trees on the island had died, including one which withered around the same time the beloved postman passed away.

Cofton Hackett Neighbourhood Watch paid to replace one tree while Bromsgrove District Council paid for the other.

David Smith, Peter’s brother, said the tree was in the heart of the community and was just what Peter would have wanted.

Carol Barrett, secretary of the neighbourhood watch, said: “Peter always enjoyed the blossoms so we thought it would be a fitting tribute, in memory of him, especially since it will be outside the Post Office.”