Seen on 21 May 2022, on the occasion of Bill Acworth's memorial service held at Marlborough College, Wilts., a copper beech with large burls standing outside the chapel.
From this vantage point can be seen a spectacular earth mound that was thought to have begun over 4,000 years ago. This monument now dominates the centre of the College campus. It is the second largest Neolithic mound in Europe with Silbury Hill, which located just 5 miles to the west of Marlborough, being the largest.
Bill was a Marlborough old boy and farmed nearby at Hungerford, Berkshire. With over 600 people attending his memorial service this venue and number of persons attending was a fitting tribute to Bill's lifetime work in farming, woodland management and associated craft and especially in nature conservation.
Good Timber
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees,
The further the sky, the greater the length,
The more the storm, the more the strength,
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timber grows.
(Douglas Malloch)
Marlborough College chapel was designed and built by Bodley & Gardner circa 1883 replacing an earlier chapel designed by Blore (1840's).
The barrel vaulted roof is magnificent with excellent reflection of music, choir and the combined voices generated by the congregation to create a heavenly throng.
Those who attended experienced England at it's best.
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Marlborough College, Wiltshire - Bill Ackworth