East Hanningfield Archive

"The Wellingtononia had grown to 115 foot before the strike exploded the top third of the tree.  It survived, but was cut down when the grounds were redeveloped.

"Dad (Desmond) had a very lucky escape as the tree was struck a couple of minutes after he had walked past it on his way to light the church boiler."  P. Ost.

From the collection of P. Ost.