I had my nameday on Sunday 24th of May, so we celebrated properly with a party.
Since London was absolutely boiling at 30+°C, we decided to move everything outdoors to Battersea Park and it turned out to be the perfect decision. Great people, great atmosphere, and a fantastic time.
But what I really want to share today is a story about something much more lasting than a celebration – a Macedonian tree planted in Battersea Park. 
About 18 years ago in Macedonia there was a nationwide campaign called “Plant a Tree” – a citizens’ initiative led by the famous Macedonian opera singer Boris Trajanov.
The idea was simple and beautiful: everyone plants a tree, and together we green the country.
At some point, the Macedonian government decided to support the campaign and instructed embassies abroad to take part as well: planting Macedonian trees around the world.
On paper, it sounded like a very simple task. In reality… not so simple, especially in London.
The Macedonian ambassador at the time reached out for help. I was then president of the church committee, and the question was whether we could plant a tree near the church.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. So I started exploring other options.
I contacted the Royal Parks to explain the idea and the situation. The response was positive – but it came with a catch. We were told we could plant a tree, but the cost was several thousand pounds, plus ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
I knew immediately the embassy did not have the budget for that kind of expense, so I politely declined.
At that point, it felt like the idea might end there.
But I didn’t give up.
I contacted my local park, and the director at the time had actually visited Macedonia before to pay respect to the fallen British soldiers near Dojran Lake.
That small connection changed everything. Suddenly, this wasn’t just an administrative request – it became something personal, rooted in shared memory and respect.
We provisionally agreed, and I was very happy to inform the Ambassador about the progress.
A short time later, my phone rang again – it was the park administration. For a moment I thought, “They probably forgot to tell me the price…”
But that wasn’t the case at all.
Instead, the park director suggested something unexpected: that we might invite the Mayor to be part of the occasion.
What a fantastic idea that was.
From a simple request to plant a tree, it was slowly turning into something much more meaningful – something that could connect communities, history, and people.
In the end, I am very proud to have facilitated this, and it feels especially special that I celebrated my nameday this year under that very same tree in Battersea Park.
Planting a tree is never just a symbolic act. It is a message to the future: of continuity, gratitude, and hope.
May generations to come enjoy what their predecessors have done, and may they find shade, peace, and inspiration in what was planted with care long before them.
The “fruits” of this tree were later materialised in something even bigger – the twinning of the London Borough of Wandsworth with the Municipality of Aerodrom in Skopje.But on this story another day…
What started as a simple idea became a lasting bridge between communities, cities, and people.
And in a way… it all began with one tree. 
