The original idea to plant a tree for the Queen's 80th birthday came from committee member Diana Hartrup in 2006. Diana organised both the ordering and planting of the tree and its surround in the Emmer Green Recreation Ground. A Turner's Oak tree was chosen and planted in early 2007. The nearby seat, made from durable recycled plastics and metal, followed later the same year.

A ceremony to celebrate the completion was held on Saturday October 6th. Mr David Miles, EGRA's inaugural Chairman, officiated and gave a short speech, in which he acknowledged those responsible, read out a letter received from the Queen's Lady-in-Waiting and dedicated the tree and seat to the community. Ben Cosh read out a poem called The Golden Rule, which was composed especially for the Queen's 80th Birthday by Poet Laureate Andrew Motion.