In late January this year Jonathan L00 and Daniel L01 Wilkinson planted an Oriental Plane tree with their mum, Pauline, respective wives Sujin and Niki, and Daniel & Niki’s daughter Naomi, in memory of their father & Pauline’s husband, Derek T Wilkinson 25/10/34-28/02/25. This was aided by Nathan Scheller (Head of Trees at Canford).

Derek loved the years that his two sons, Jonathan and Daniel, were at Canford. Some of his happiest memories were of times spent with staff, parents & pupils at rugby matches, on the tow path, attending music concerts and other events. He, and Pauline, were known to many!

erek particularly delighted in, and gave thanks, for how Jonathan & Daniel matured spiritually, mentally and physically through their time at Canford - part of the preparation of God’s calling on their lives . Psalm 92 v 12-15 V 14 “they will still bear fruit in old age , they will stay fresh and green “.

As such, the family decided that Canford was a fitting place to plant a tree in Derek’s memory and to contribute to the continued development and beauty of the grounds for current and future generation.