A TREE has been planted in a Wrexham park, in honour of a much-missed former businessman of the city.

Family and friends of John Purdie gathered in Acton Park on Tuesday, to plant a handkerchief tree in his memory.

The tree is the only one of its kind in the park, and is hoped to be a lasting tribute to John, who died on October 22, 2022, at 80-years-old.

Many will have known the keen sportsman for his time running Charisma Trophies in Wrexham.

Read more: Ancient Acton Park tree takes national crown

Son Daniel Purdie said: "We initially though about a bench but my wife said as mum and dad walked their dogs in Acton Park, going there most days, why not look at getting a tree planted.

"We spoke to the council and park rangers to see about what type of tree, what cost and if it was even possible.

"One of my dad's friends, Kevin Roberts, is the chair of Acton Park Community Council and with the park ranger, has helped to organise this."

 

Dianne Purdie watches on as the tree planted in her husbands memory is planted. Photo courtesy of Daniel Purdie

Dianne Purdie watches on as the tree planted in her husband's memory is planted. Photo courtesy of Daniel Purdie

 

It was with the knowledge of ranger Hannah Farnell, that the family was able to choose an ideal tree and location in the park.

Daniel added: "It's now by the Druid stones. It's not such a busy area but one that people visiting the park would likely walk past, so it would be seen by a lot of people.

"There will also be a memorial plaque added at the base, which would have at one time been the sort of thing dad would have done for others.

"We take our dogs there most days and there is still family around, so it really does just work perfectly."

Read more: ‘Loving and funny’ man killed in Llangollen crash will ‘never be forgotten’

Cllr Roberts said: "We were good friends. John used to come to a coffee morning in Little Acton, and was really well liked by everyone.

"So when Daniel mentioned the tree, I said the community council would pay for it with a our charity fund, as John was such a well known person in the community, and as a gesture for all he did.

"It's a lovely, unusual tree, and will hopefully come nice as it grows. Our ranger Hannah researched it all, including where best to plant it.

"The hope is John's wife Dianne can go more often, with the tree being a draw, and there is a bench nearby.

"ASAP Sign Services in Wrexham are making the plaque for free, and it will let people know what the tree is for.

"He was a lovely man and still really missed."