Major Tim Peake

Published: 13 July 2018

Over 300 people from across the community welcomed Major Tim Peake in his home of Westbourne at a special event held to celebrate his extraordinary achievements on Thursday 12 July 2018.

Major Tim Peake unveiled a plaque next to an oak tree, which has been planted by Westbourne Parish Council at Monk’s Hill recreation ground – The Common – in Westbourne, and officially opened the recently refurbished playground.

Major Tim Peake said: “Thank you so much for coming to Westbourne Common for the tree planting and the playground opening. This was my home turf for many years – my parents still live in the village and I love coming back to Westbourne. I feel that you guys have supported me so much throughout the mission and it’s great to come back. Thank you for everything you do to support us in getting future generations interested in science and space exploration which is so important.”

Cllr Richard Hitchcock, Chair of the Parish Council, said: “On behalf of Westbourne Parish Council, I would like to thank Tim for giving so generously of his time – his presence was very much appreciated by all those in attendance. There is little doubt that he is an inspiration and role model to so many of our young people, and of course, those of us that are not quite so young. It is a real pleasure to welcome him to Westbourne, his home village, and take this opportunity to celebrate his successes with an oak tree and plaque in our much loved Common which will be permanent tribute for us to enjoy for years to come.”

Cllr Nigel Ricketts, Vice-Chair of the Parish Council, said: “It’s tradition for astronauts to plant a tree in the ‘avenue of heroes’ at Baikonur in Kazakhstan before they travel to space, and the Parish Council wanted to do the same for Tim in his home of Westbourne. We are so pleased that so many local residents had the opportunity to meet Tim and celebrate his extraordinary achievements. I’d like to thank Tim for opening our newly refurbished playground which is a fantastic facility for young people in Westbourne.”

Photographs of the event are available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Westbournepc/

For more information, please contact Westbourne Parish Council at westbournepc@outlook.com or call 07775654483.