Hopes Llanfyllin's Lonely Tree will grow once more
The blowing down of a tree in severe gales on a hill in Mid Wales would not normally provoke a global funding appeal, massive media interest and the publication of a book.
But most trees do not have the history, appeal and legend of Llanfyllin's Lonely Tree.
Scores of people climbed the hill above the Welsh town, as they have done on Good Friday for decades, to enjoy a Good Friday walk with the Llanfyllin Community Church.
There were hot cross buns for the grown up and Easter eggs for the children as the Easter story was told.
And in the afternoon there was a walk to celebrate a new book written about the landmark.
The Scots pine was blown over in February's storms, sparking sadness and concern for many people in Llanfyllin and beyond.
The sadness came because for many, the Lonely Tree was the symbol of Llanfyllin. It had stood high above the town for hundreds of years.
It was where marriages had been proposed and ashes scattered and it had become the much-loved emblem of the town.
Many people were distraught to hear the tree looked to have been lost.
But that sadness turned to hope when it emerged that some of the tree's roots remained intact and there was chance of survival if those roots could be protected.
A campaign was launched to save the tree and local people and firms volunteered equipment and time to cover its remaining roots with soil in the hope that the tree will survive.
An internet campaign was launched to help pay for the work and hundreds of pounds was donated from around the world, many donations coming from ex-pats of Mid Wales who wanted to do their bit to save the landmark.
The story of the tree is continuing with the release of a book entitled Lonely Tree: My Story, full of photographs and people's personal memories and thoughts about the landmark.
Put together by Pauline Page-Jones, Richard Kretchmer and David Goodman, members of Llanfyllin Civic Society, the book celebrates the tree's history and legend.
Many local people have contributed to the book. Among them is Sarah Kendrick-Jones from Llanfechain who wrote: "The Lonely Tree has always been a special place for us and our family.
"We always like to take our guests there as it is such a stunning spot.
"We hope the tree can be rescued now, in its hour of need."
In her contribution, Kate Hidden from Oswestry writes: "Often I revisit my childhood and climb the hill with my own children hoping they too will hold dreams in their hearts.
"They have run under its branches as toddlers, searched for fossils as children, they have lazed in the sun or marauded on their hill boards as I sat contemplating my most treasured view of the hills beyond.
"Maybe my grandchildren will be lucky and will dream by the Lonely Tree one day too."
And Emma Allen from Llanfyllin writes in her submission: "The Lonely Tree for me represents a freedom of fresh air, peacefulness and, on a clear day, a view to cry for."
Llanfyllin's county councillor Peter Lewis, whose family farm on the land where the tree stood, backed efforts to save the tree.
He added that he had been amazed at the reaction from people near and far to the destruction of the Lonely Tree in the storms and is anxiously waiting to see if the tree can be saved.
He said: "The tree is the symbol of Llanfyllin and the reaction from people was incredible.
"We were able to put soil over the roots and we will have to wait for 12 months to find out of any of the tree has survived.
"We are all hoping for the best because so many people are interested in it."
The Lonely Tree: My Story is available through local stockists and via the Llanfyllin Town Council website.
