On Sunday 24th November a number of parishioner gathered in the rain at the Bucklebury Recreation Ground to celebrate Erica Tipton BEM 50 years in the village and her many contributions to the Bucklebury community. Erica planted a mountain ash tree.

Erica moved to Bucklebury in 1974 purchasing the Village Stores and Post Office that were in Bucklebury Village.

Since then she has given her free time to a variety of local organisations that include:

• 10 years as Secretary / Treasurer of the Victory Room Committee
• 20 years as a Parish Councillor, 13 years as Chair
• 14 years as Chair of the Chapel Row Patient Participation Group
• 30+ years as Secretary of the Chapel Row Community Service Group
• 30+ years as part of the local MacMillan Cancer Support Group, 20 years as Chair
• As well as her continued service as Chair of the Bucklebury Recreation Committee and as a Trustee of the Lady Winchcombe Trust
• Independant examiner for 5 Societies.

The tree planting was prepared by Jason Allum and a brief speach of thanks was provided by Barry Dickens, Chair of Bucklebury Parish Council.

Erica thanked everyone in the local community for their support over the years and then tea and cake were shared in the dry of the Victory Room.