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A former Southender who emigrated to America sixteen years ago, has picked an ideal way to make sure his roots flourish in his home town.
Mr David Abrey, 46, of Kansas has just given 14 trees to the borough and plans to donate more trees to Southend every year His parents still live in South Avenue, Southend where he grew up, and he is the third generation of the Abrey family to hail from Southchurch,
When he asked the Council about the possibility of planting trees in Southchurch Road, the communal front gardens of South Essex Homes properties at Christchurch Court and Nursery Place turned out to be ideal locations. Residents were consulted, and welcomed the scheme.
Mr Abrey, who attended Sacred Heart School, said: “I’ve lived in Kansas City since 1997 with my American wife and two children, but I wanted to give something back to my home town which I visit every year. I was inspired to plant trees by the Greek proverb: ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.’ Hopefully this might encourage others to follow suit too and help the environment in Southend.”
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “We are extremely grateful to Mr Abrey for this most kind and welcome gift. “It is especially generous from someone who lives so far away, and yet is so ready to help enhance our borough for the benefit of all our residents and visitors. “Mr Abrey has set a wonderful example, and if anyone else would like to donate a tree, shrub or bench in Southend, we would love to hear from them on 01702 215000 or via: http://www.southend.gov.uk/donateatree
Tony Holliday, Estate Services Manager for South Essex Homes, said: “We are sure that this generous donation will improve the look of the area and we hope it will prove to be of great benefit to local residents.”
