Tree planted as tribute to “much loved” Shropshire Council worker as part of Community Tree Scheme

A tree was today planted in memory of a popular and well-loved Shropshire Council worker who recently passed away.

Percy Mullaly worked as car park attendant at the council’s Shirehall headquarters for a number of years, but many will also remember him as a much loved friend, sportsman and teacher.

L – R: Tim Smith, Andy Begley, Cllr Peter Nutting, Darren Mullaly & Cathy Mullaly

A small ceremony was held with current COVID-19 guidelines followed.

The tree – an English Oak – was planted in his honour outside Shirehall as part of the council’s Community Tree Scheme, which aims to plant a tree for every resident in the county.

Sitting by the tree will be a plaque reading:

Percy Mullaly memorial plaque

Percy, who was a former deputy headteacher at Crowmoor Primary School, passed away last month and was a popular and well-loved member of the team at Shropshire Council.

A condolence book was opened for staff to pay tribute which had an overwhelming response – and it was felt the planting of a tree was the perfect tribute to him.

Percy was also a previous chairman of the Shropshire Schools and Colleges Football Association (SSCFA).

Darren Mullaly, Percy’s son, said:

“My Dad was an amazing but humble man. He would have been overwhelmed to know that he touched the lives of so many people in such a positive way. The planting of the first tree of the council’s community tree scheme in his memory is such a beautiful gesture and honour.”

Tim Smith, Shropshire Council’s assistant director of commercial services and friend of the Mullaly family, said:

“We all loved Percy. He was such a character and some of us knew him as a teacher and sports enthusiast dating back many years. Percy was often the first person to greet staff and visitors to the Shirehall. He had a joke and a smile for everybody.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change:

“The council is committed to planting a tree for every resident of Shropshire. I cannot think of a better way to ‘break soil’ on the scheme than to pay tribute to a much loved colleague and friend who is sadly no longer with us. Percy will be sorely missed.”

Percy Mullaly

In memory of Percy Mullaly.