Death of a friendly giant

This morning as I rushed to work I was prevented from using my usual route by a road closure. I thought nothing of it.

Tonight as I walked round the block the reason for the closure became apparent. One of the huge, majestic trees, part of a parade of chestnut trees had been felled. The death of a familiar, loved giant.

I blipped this line of trees only a few days ago - 'Walking the line'. I must have walked fondly past them countless times over the last couple of decades and more. A place memories were made.When my children were young we used to visit with small wicker baskets and return home with them overflowing with mahogany conkers. In winter they were the subject of snowy masterpieces, while in summer their vast leaves offered dappled shade on a hot walk home from the shops. Now in spring, a time for life, one of them has met with death.

I fear for other tall friends, one has already had its limbs amputated.

Not a good shot, but the marking of a passing.