Last month, Pipal Tree lost one of its closest supporters.
Mr Ivan Hunter passed away suddenly, while watering the plants in his beloved garden. He was one of life’s real gentlemen and I had the great pleasure of enjoying his hospitality over lunch at his home in Bangor, Northern Ireland, a few years ago. Ivan was the father-in-law of one of our founding Trustees, Clotilde, father of Gareth and grandfather to their adopted Nepalese children Jamuna and Tosita, He was therefore a very keen and generous donor to our appeals; indeed, he always seemed to be the first to contribute, his gifts invariably accompanied by a jolly email to me. Sometimes the moral support can be just as valuable as the financial. I will miss that for sure.
After his passing, Ivan’s family decided that gifts in lieu of flowers should be made to Pipal Tree. In response, we proposed that the funds raised should be used to plant trees in his memory as part of our urban nature project in Kathmandu. Specifically, this would be at the location currently being prepared for a rapid-growth ‘Miyawaki’ forest at Swayambhu, a sacred world heritage site which overlooks the valley. This is the site chosen for a new urban forest to be largely funded by gifts made through our Big Give Green Match Fund campaign from last April.
Kathmandu is currently under curfew following this week’s serious unrest, but, during a scheduled two-hour easing of restrictions this morning, I was able to visit the Phase 2 site where these trees will be planted as a lasting memorial to Ivan. Curfew permitting, the saplings could be planted as early as next week, but even in advance of that it’s really impressive to witness what has already been achieved. Compliments to Lily Katuwal KC and her young female employees and trainees (who are deaf) at social enterprise Lily’s Leaves for all that they have done so far.
Philip Holmes visiting the Phase 2 plantation enclosure at Swayambhu
I have previously described the process involved in preparing the ground at Swayambhu in this post. But I was quite blown away to see the scale of the site and the work that has gone into preparing the ground and the perimeter and overhead fencing that is necessary to keep monkeys out (at least until the saplings are established!).
I was also very pleased to see the Phase 1 site for the first time. This lies a little way down the slope and was planted out in July. It looks VERY neat and tidy with the rows of saplings, suitably mulched. I am sure Ivan would respect the standard of plant husbandry.
The Phase 1 site at Swayambhu
To date, an amazing £5,024 has been raised in Ivan’s memory through gifts from the immediate family and this in-memoriam page. The donations to the latter included a £2,000 gift made anonymously last evening. It costs £18.75 per square metre of forest, the cost covering all the elements from deep soil excavation and enrichment to fencing. This means that rather than planting a tree in Ivan’s memory, we’ll be able to create no less than 268 square metres of native woodland as a living legacy of love!
I will be honoured to do my bit in the implementation of this project for Ivan and to support his widow, Di, sons Gareth and Scott, wives, grandchildren and the family circle.
May Ivan rest in peace.
