On the 12th February it will the be 1 year anniversary of Macaroni Wood and Deptford Adventure playground legend Richard ‘Mac’ MacVicar.
Mac became closely involved with Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture (known to everyone in Lewisham as Macaroni Wood) and he joined the management committee, remaining as a trustee until he passed – a period of more than 30 years, during which he was Chair of the Trustees for at least 15 years.
During those years Mac developed a strong link with the charity. He loved taking groups to the woods and it is estimated that during the last 30 years he must have taken more than 1000 Deptford youngsters to the woods, probably a total of 70-80 visits.
His trips were always high octane activity based; his cooking skills might not have been up to Jamie Oliver standards but the chickens appreciated it the next morning!! He made up in other ways though – long night walks around the wood, regaling the kids with stories of Harry Nash and Psycho Lil – and the kids loved him for it!
He seldom missed a charity meeting at the Woods, of which there are always 3 or 4 every year – as well as the same number in London.
I’m sure everyone will join us in taking a minute to think and toast a drink to Richard MacVicar on the 12th February.