Did you know that one of the two Coronation Oaks brought to this area by the Shirley Women’s Institute is located at the Sooke Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion? The Legion’s oak tree was rededicated on May 6 in a tribute to those who served in Battle of the Atlantic and fought for victory in Europe in World War II.
The Shirley Women’s Institute obtained the two oak seedlings from England and they were planted locally on May 12, 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The seedlings were grown from acorns taken from Great Windsor Park at Windsor Castle, the royal family residence located in Windsor, Berkshire County, England. One tree was planted in front of the old Sooke Legion, the other Coronation Oak is growing in Pioneer Park on the west side of the Shirley Community Hall. Courtesy of the OPSRRA May newsletter