Published: March 7, 2009
Former Burnham-On-Sea Mayor remembered at tree ceremony

A tree was planted in memory of the late Denis Hewings, a former Mayor of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, during a special ceremony on Saturday afternoon (March 7th).

The short ceremony in remembrance of Mr Hewings, who died in 2007, was held outside the Burnham Area Youth Centre in Cassis Close, as pictured here.

More than 30 friends and local dignatries, including current Mayor Peter Burridge-Clayton and the Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Dennis Davey, attended the ceremony.

The planting of the tree was organised by the BAY Centre and members of the Town Council, who awarded Mr Hewings a Civic Award in 1993 to recognise his work in both the towns.

He died in 2007, as reported here, after a long-running throat problem.

Close friend Cllr Neville Jones told those who attended Saturday's ceremony that Mr Hewings had been dedicated to community work in the area. He had also volunteered as the BAY Centre's self-designated caretaker, gardener and general handyman.

BAY Centre Chairman Julia Elswood told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "When the council asked if they could plant a tree in his memory, we thought it an excellent idea. The BAY Centre owes him a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid."