Katie’s tree, London

Katie’s Tree

Clapham Common, London

“For Katie’s friends in Europe, her years spent here will always remind us of her commitment to living in the moment, her creativity, her love of the outdoors, and how her kindness, boldness, and sense of humour enriched all of our lives. From touring theatre shows across Italy and Turkey, to volunteering with refugees across Europe with the Flying Seagull project, in just a few years Katie managed to pack in more adventures and experiences than most Londoners do in a lifetime.

Clapham was Katie’s stomping ground, and stomp around she did in her beloved Doc Martens, which were a bold cherry red at the time. It was there that she first began creating her show ‘Temporary’, which went on to be a hot hit at the Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Festivals some years later. Clapham Common was a favourite spot of Katie’s, and it felt right that it should be the place where all her friends across Europe could gather to remember her.

With the help of Lambeth Council, Katie’s Tree was planted on 24th November 2021. An Aesculus Indica, although small now it will grow to stand out from the crowd, just as Katie always did. It stand in a serene yet bustling area of the Common, where people come together to catch London’s (few) rays of sun, drink with friends, and if you’re lucky, pet one of the many dogs out on a walk there. In summer, the Common swells with music and street-food festivals, muddy cyclists, mates, and first dates.

We hope that Katie’s tree is a symbol of her adventures in Europe, and the many lives she touched during her time here. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and we hope that in years to come when Lottie and Huxley embark on their maiden voyages to England, we can share our memories of their Aunt Katie’s adventures across the pond with them.”
– Magda Cassidy