Survivor

When we woke on this date twenty-five years ago it was strangely quiet.We were aware it had been a very windy night so we soon discovered that it was quiet because there was no traffic on the main road. There was no traffic on the main road because it was blocked by very many fallen trees.

We only lost one tree in our garden in the Great Storm of 15/16 October 1987 but our neighbourhood was totally changed. Areas of dense woodland were now open to the sky and when after a few days, or even a week in the case of some lanes, we could get around, it was clear that the devastation was widespread. Some areas were unrecognisable.

One tree that survived was this ancient oak tree. It stands in the centre of a local field. Its thick trunk and small crown suggest that at one time it has been pollarded. It has a large prop on the far side.I have no idea of its age. Local rumour has it that this tree is right in the geographical centre of Surrey. I was not prepared to take this on trust so out came the map and a ruler and I discovered that yes, this tree is exactly in the centre, east to west, and also north to south if you take the old boundary of Surrey, right up to the centre of London before the local government reorganisation.

Yes, I know I am a bit pedantic, but I am pleased to know the old wives' tale is correct, and pleased that the tree survived "The Great Storm".