A special memorial tree has been planted to remember a well-known Knighton resident who passed away last year.

A crab apple tree was planted in March at the new Wildlife Garden at Knighton and District Community Centre, in memory of John Bradford.

John, who sadly passed away from Covid in January year, was a renowned and well-loved member of the community of Knighton and the surrounding area.

Jane Bradford and her sons together with the Comm trustees, staff and volunteers at the Knighton Community Centre planting on March 9
Jane Bradford and her sons together with the Comm trustees, staff and volunteers at the Knighton Community Centre planting on March 9 (Photo supplied)

John, who was born in Kinnerton, opened a hairdresser in West Street in 1975. He moved his shop to Brookside in the early 1980s, where he was known as ‘Mr Snips’. Later on, John took over from his father Bob in Bradfords shop, selling plants and garden equipment.

John and friends started the Knighton Christmas Extravaganza in 1995, which saw the streets close, and the introduction of late-night shopping, street entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas every year, for a number of years. He also put together and provided the hanging baskets and flower troughs to display throughout the town.

 John Bradford
John Bradford (Photo supplied)

John was a particularly well-liked and friendly person who always made time to talk and listen to people. Shops closed and the streets of Knighton were lined with people to give him a send-off on the day of his burial. There is also a chestnut tree planted in his memory in the Cwm.

The new Wildlife Garden at Knighton and District Community Centre is now bursting into bloom and its links to the local community continue to grow. The garden has a new pergola and wedding arch, which will be planted up in time for a summer season of weddings at the Comm.