Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of commercial mowing equipment, has provided further support to the Friends of Christchurch Park in Ipswich by sponsoring the cost of production of their latest ‘New Trees’ supplement.

This 8-page supplement to the book Ipswich Arboretum: A History and Celebration, written by David Miller (pictured right)  and published by Gresham Publications, details the 44 new trees that have been planted throughout 2014-15, of which 27 were purchased with monies raised from donations.

The booklet also contains some stunning imagery taken by local photographer Liz Cutting, whose images are used by the RSPB, Suffolk Ornithology Group and the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society.

James Allen Ransome was the grandson of Robert Ransome (1753–1830), the founder of the agricultural machinery company that became Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, now known as Ransomes Jacobsen. He was the founder and first secretary of the Ipswich Arboretum Society. 

Commenting on the support received from the current Ransomes business, David Miller said: “I would like to thank Ransomes Jacobsen for generously supporting the production and printing costs associated with this supplement.

“Their sponsorship means that the entire £1 from the sale of every copy will go directly to planting new trees in the Arboretum. I am thrilled that 168 years after J.A. Ransomes proposal for ‘a suitable place, in which healthful and harmonious recreation could be carried out  … beneficial to all classes’ – that the historic link between the name Ransome and Ipswich Arboretum remains strong.”

Copies of this latest supplement can be obtained from The Reg Driver Centre, Christchurch Park, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2BX. Telephone: 01473 433980.