A TREE has been planted in memory of former vice principal of Sparsholt College the late Ian Hamilton, who died in June last year.

The tree, a Wild Cherry (Prunus Avium Plena), was planted by his wife Sue Hamilton and her daughters Helen and Caroline and members of the family, in the college grounds overlooking the Hampshire Downs near the house where they lived on the college campus.

Mr Hamilton was appointed college vice principal in 1973 and retired in 1991, completing 18 years in the post. In addition to supporting the principal he was responsible for the management of the college farms and estates as well as teaching students. Students held him with the highest respect for his attention to detail as well as his technical knowledge and skills. His colleagues appreciated his loyalty and support as well as his sense of humour.

A small group of family and close friends recently met at the college for an event to celebrate Ian’s life. This included the tree planting, scattering of his ashes and the repositioning of a refurbished park bench which Ian and his wife had presented to the college on his retirement. Former colleagues spoke of his time as a student at Seale Hayne College in Devon, his work for the Crown Commissioners in Uganda as well as his time on the staff of Plumpton Agricultural College in East Sussex and his work at Sparsholt College.

Mrs Hamilton and her family said they are most grateful for permission to plant this memorial tree in the college grounds.