Maurice's Pebble

We have smashing neighbours on our street, the kind who don't live in your pockets but are there when needed, no questions asked.

Last summer, neighbours Maurice and Monica went above and beyond to take care of our allotment whilst we were away so that we could return to enjoy our fruit and veg.

Last week we met with many others at Oakworth Crematorium to say goodbye to Maurice who had fallen ill just before Christmas. As is often the case with such relationships, where conversations take place in passing or across garden walls, we only knew the tip of the iceberg when it came to Maurice's life and interests. We found out much more during the celebration and afterwards at the pub talking to his friends and family. Maurice was a warm, generous man who loved his music and fought for human rights. A man of the earth.

As we left the Crematorium, we were invited to take a pebble to remind us of Maurice. Our pebble now sits with others on the ongoing project which is our allotment pond. I'm pleased to say it is brimming with tadpoles and will soon be surrounded by bee and butterfly friendly wild flowers. We like to think Maurice would approve.

Pebble and the Man