Happy Xmas Max

Yes Max. Happy Xmas.

For the first time we did not play footie on boxing day. Or meet up late in the day on Xmas for a smoke and to rehash the day's events and presents. Although last year i was not here and missed out you were not and i knew the tradition lived on. This year, i like to think, that the tradition has just been put on hold. We all miss you a lot at the moment but you and the tree and being well looked after. A red rose, a card, some tiny snowmen and lots of visitors meant that you didn't spend Xmas alone. I just wish you could have spent it at mine. at least a bit of it. Take care my friend. We miss you.

Ize.xxx

Max's Tree in Queen's Park

Last Wednesday, 6 December, we planted a tree for Max in Queen's Park. It is by the bandstand, a place where Max and friends would often meet, play football, hang out on sunny days.

It is an oak tree, a pin oak, which should grow into a tall elegant tree which goes a scarlet red in autumn.

We were very pleased that a good number of people came, mainly locals. The park keepers who will look after the tree from now on had known Max, and they were very sympathetic to us.

Earlier in the day they dug a large hole and placed the tree in it, leaving a trench all around. They suggested that those who wanted to could place a spadeful of earth in the trench, which most of us did. Anna Myers then read a poem called Praise of a Man by Norman McCaig, which gave a flavour of Max's personality. After that many of us went on to the Irish.

It was a moving and sad event but I feel satisfied that Max now has a fitting place that we can call his own.

And happily the park escaped the worst of the tornado the following day.

We are thinking of holding a picnic in the park around the tree sometime in the summer for those who would like to have come to the planting but were unable to do so, and everyone else of course.

Victoria

The park keepers planting the tree





Rosy


Theo


Anna reading


More of the people there