Two trees have been planted at a Marlow Bottom school in memory of two former head teachers who sadly passed away.

On May 24, Burford School welcomed new Marlow mayor, Jocelyn Towns, to a celebratory tree-planting event to commemorate the contribution made by the school’s first two head teachers.

Mrs Marion Cloke, who later became Mrs Oakley, and Mr Andrew Bowie, led the school for 34 years between them.

Following a successful fundraising campaign by Burford Alumni & Friends, a group set up in 2012 as part of the school’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, an oak tree was planted in memory of Mrs Oakley and a Scots Pine for Mr Bowie.

The group managed to raise more than £1,000 through donations to pay for the new trees.

Mrs Oakley, who died a few years ago, was hugely respected and several of her past pupils first came up with the idea.

Following the outpouring of sadness last year when Mr Bowie died, it was felt that a tree would also be a fitting tribute for him.

His family was consulted and were entirely in favour of the idea, as was Mrs Oakley’s daughter, Susan Dutton. 

Donors and other visitors, including Mr Bowie’s family, were entertained by the school choir and enjoyed tours of the school guided by Year 6 pupils before seeing the trees in the grounds.