Over the years the gum trees, planted next to the Framlingham War Memorial, have been ravaged by the Ash Wednesday bushfires, hungry koalas and natural causes. 

It is hoped the new tree, an English variety, will stand the test of time.

Framlingham Red Cross service group member Janet Sawyer said two original branch members who attended the original planting were in the 30-strong crowd.

Phyllis Vaughan, 80, was newly-married when she joined and Rita Neagle, 89, became a member as a teenager.

“I was at school and we used to make beanies for the soldiers,” Mrs Neagle said.

She said it was nice that the tree had been replaced and the tradition continued. 

Mrs Neagle has enjoyed her time volunteering with the Red Cross. 

“We’re still going. We get on well,” she said.