On January 12, Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che, Representative John Dennis of the British Office in Taipei, and Chimei Museum Director Shi Chia-chang planted saplings of Taiwan’s indigenous Formosan Ash in Tainan Metropolitan Park, the park in which Chimei Museum is located. In addition to honoring the late British monarch Queen Elisabeth II, the action also symbolizes the hope that Tainan and UK’s friendship will grow like the saplings.
Mayor Huang Wei-che mentioned that Tainan citizens greatly admire Queen Elisabeth’s strong sense of responsibility and contributions to world peace and prosperity. Interactions between Tainan and the UK started in the 19th century when British missionaries came to Tainan and established close relations with the local people. Huang also expressed that the saplings planted today signify the friendship between Tainan and the UK: both parties will continue to develop the existing relationship and let the friendship grow like the trees.
Representative John Dennis thanked Tainan City Government and Chimei Museum for their enthusiastic support of the tree planting ceremony and remarked that the British Office in Taipei will continue to facilitate more exchanges in areas related to the people, culture, trade, and more. Hopefully, new connections will be established every day to further expand the relationship.
Chimei Museum Director Shi Chia-chang pointed out that this tree planting event is very meaningful as it symbolizes the spirit of the British Queen has extended from the exhibition inside the museum to the outdoor lawn. The Queen was dedicated to protecting the environment and Shi believes that the saplings will grow strong in Tainan Metropolitan Park with the Queen’s blessing.
Representative John Dennis started his term in Taiwan in December 2020. In 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis came to Tainan and joined Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che at the memorial event for the 100th anniversary of the death of British missionary Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell. The Icons & Identities: Masterpieces of Portraiture exhibition, a special exhibition jointly organized by Chimei Museum and the UK National Portrait Gallery, features the first hologram of the late Queen Elisabeth II. After taking part in the tree planting ceremony, Representative Dennis took a photo with Mayor Huang Wei-che and Director Shi Chia-chang in front of the Queen’s portrait and visited the exhibition.