Last week, Hull City Council and Hull Culture and Leisure bid farewell to one of their longest-serving staff members.
Stuart MacDonald, affectionately known as 'Mac' by his colleagues, retired at the age of 78 after an impressive 54 years of service, having joined the council back in July 1971.
Mac's love for the city's parks led him to amass a vast collection of photographs and postcards over the years, which he would share with visitors along with his extensive knowledge of the parks' history.
His commitment to his role was especially noticeable during the festive season, as he spent many a Christmas Day at East Park, operating Santa's grotto and selling wreaths on behalf of the Friends of East Park group.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, who holds the portfolio for culture and leisure, expressed his gratitude: "I would like to thank Stuart for his decades of commitment to the council and parks. He has been instrumental in the upkeep and improvement of our much-loved green spaces across the city.
"We wish him all the best now as he puts his feet up, relaxes and enjoys more leisurely visits to the park as he starts his next chapter."
