Trees planted in memory of former Dorset soldier Jonathan Allott

Rifleman Jonathan Allott was just 19 when he died while serving for the Armed Forces in 2010.

Organised with the help of veterans’ charity, Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust, housebuilder Barratt Homes planted two Italian Cyprus trees to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 24.

The trees have been planted in Kinson which is where Jonathan was born.

Jonathan’s mum, Andrea Johnson, still lives in Kinson and has close connections with the Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust.

Andrea said: “It’s lovely that I’ll now have a special place to come to remember Jonathan, and that other people who knew him can do the same. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Barratt Homes and Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust for arranging this.”

Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust was set up to support ex-military personnel and serving military with re-integration to civilian life by dealing with the issues they face when leaving the Armed Forces.

Amedeo Angiolini, project worker at Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust, said: “It’s wonderful that our garden here in Kinson is now home to these beautiful trees. I know Jonathan’s mum, Andrea, is especially grateful. It’s also ideal timing.

“Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, and this commemorative day is for Jonathan and for all other military personnel who have fought for their country.”

The two memorial trees now have pride of place in Kinson and Barratt Homes will also be adding a memorial plaque for Mr Allott at a later date.

Anthony Dimmick, Barratt Homes community liaison manager, said: “At Barratt we like to look after the communities where we are building, and we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces.

“I’m thrilled that we have been able to plant these commemorative trees in memory of Jonathan, especially as the country marks Armed Forces Day. Thanks go to the Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust for helping us organise this.”