A memorial tree at RAF Menwith Hill that was under threat of removal has been saved and replanted.

The tree was originally planted in 1994 in memory of Bob Cryer, who was the Labour MP for Bradford South. He was a vocal campaigner for transparency at the base and died in a car accident in 1994.

Mr Cryer secured a debate in parliament a few months before he died when he claimed the aim of the base was to “assert and retain United States supremacy”.

The Ministry of Defence, which owns the site, is building a new visitor centre, vehicle canopy and changes to the road junction on Menwith Hill Road.

However, this work involved removing the memorial tree that was replanted close to the site’s main gate in 2002. It was planted alongside the public highway on land not owned by the MOD.

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Last year, the Stray Ferret spoke to the late MP’s wife, Ann Cryer, who was the MP for Keighley from 1997 until 2010. She said she was “very upset” about the possible removal of the memorial tree.

But on Thursday, the MOD replanted the tree 100 metres away from its old location with work overseen by both an arboriculturist and an ecologist.

This means the tree should hopefully survive while plans to upgrade the entrance at the base can continue.

Bob Cryer’s alder tree in its new location

Sqn Ldr Geoff Dickson, RAF Menwith Hill, said the MOD wanted to ensure the move was done in a way that was “sympathetic to the memory of Mr Cryer”.

A second alder tree was also planted.

Sqn Ldr Dickson said:

“Mindful of the significance, we wanted to be sympathetic to the memory of Mr Cryer and to the sensitivities of the protest groups.  Accordingly, we hired a professional tree removal company to re-locate the alder some 100 metres further west on the verge bordering Menwith Hill road.

“The operation was successfully carried out last Thursday, with the roots of the tree being dug out by hand so as to avoid damage to the roots system.  The work was overseen by both an arboriculturist, and an ecologist. A second alder similar in size was planted a few feet away to complement the original tree.  We sincerely hope the tree will survive and thrive in its new habitat.”

The move was welcomed by Lindis Percy, co-founder of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases.

Ms Percy said:

“The America base at Menwith Hill is to be significantly upgraded so the alder tree dedicated to the memory and work of Bob Cryer MP had to be moved.

“He worked tirelessly to make the base accountable to Parliament. His work has been continued by many people since his untimely death in 1994 and we hope the tree survives the move.”

Groups and organisations in the Harrogate district are being invited to apply for grants of up to £2,500 to help support local communities.

The Knabs Ridge Wind Farm community benefit fund helps to fund projects which benefit local people, such as renovations to buildings and new equipment for playgroups.

It has also helped fund public Internet and computers at Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall.

The fund is aimed at organisations in Hampsthwaite Felliscliffe, Hampsthwaite, Birstwith, Norwood, Darley and Menwith, Haverah Park with Beckwithshaw and Fewston in Nidderdale.

It is available to small local charities and voluntary and community groups in those areas.

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The fund, which is operated by Two Ridings Community Foundation, has grants that are awarded to “enhance quality of life for local residents” and “contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities”.

RWE Renewables, which set up the fund, said:

“The Knabs Ridge Wind Farm Community Fund is designed to help voluntary organisations, community groups and small charities and other types of not for profit organization that support charitable, educational, community, environmental, energy efficiency or general community amenity projects in the local area.”

Those applying for the grant must be a voluntary organisation, community group, small charity or other type of not for profit organisation and have been in existence for six months.

They must also have a governing document or a constitution. The deadline for applications is May 9, 2022.

More information can be found on the Two Riddings Community Foundation website.