On Wed 23 April a group of Soroptimists and friends gathered with volunteers from the Civic Rose Garden Regeneration Project, Neil Kieran from St Albans City and District Council, Councillor Jacqui Taylor and Chloe Sykes Social Value Officer from Morgan Sindall.
This was two events in one. There was a tree 
dedication and installation of a plaque in memory of Jean Eaton as well as an “Orange the World” event showcasing the recently planted orange tulips in bloom.
The cherry tree was planted last year as part of the garden regeneration and was subsequently dedicated to Soroptimist and “St Albans Community Champion” Jean Eaton:
In Loving Memory of our Soroptimist Sister
Jean Eaton 1942-2024
Soroptimist International St Albans & District planted this tree for Jean, a great friend to many people and an inspirational community champion.
Please click here for memories of Jean Eaton https://sigbi.org/st-albans/jean-eaton
The garden is north of the Civic Centre and behind the buildings on the east side of St Peter’s Street. As well as the tree, 300 orange tulip bulbs have been planted. This is part of 
the “Orange The World Campaign” to end violence against women and girls – “Orange is a bright and optimistic colour, representing a future free from violence against women and girls.”
The bulbs were donated by SACDC and Morgan Sindall. Neil Kieran chairs the “White Ribbon Steering Group” at SACDC – 
aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, the same goal as the Orange The World campaign championed by Soroptimists and the United Nations. Chloe from Morgan Sindall Property Services is also on the Steering Group and had helped plant the bulbs. Jacqui Taylor Councillor for Housing and Community Safety is also a member of the Steering Group.
Chris and David Graves have managed the garden regeneration project with support from local volunteers who have been working really hard clearing and replanting in the garden. They were thrilled to show the work they’ve been doing over the last two years, especially as things are blooming.
Neil Kieran, Principal Community Safety Officer for St Albans City and District Council, 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 great friend Meryl Brooks said “23rd April is Shakespeare’s birthday, so very appropriate because Jean was a great fan of Shakespeare. It was a privilege to attend – Jean would have been in her element.”
Soroptimist and friend Helen Byrne said “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!”
Please visit the garden to find a peaceful oasis near the busy centre of town.
This news item was published in The St Albans Times: https://stalbanstimes.co.uk/st-albans/st-albans-soroptimists-hold-tree-dedication-and-orange-the-world-tulips-commemoration-event-at-civic-rose-garden/