A memorial has been unveiled this week for local farmer and businessman Derek Mead who died earlier in the year.
Dairy farmer Derek Mead, regarded as the ‘farmers champion’, farmed around 3,000 acres in North Somerset but sadly died after a machinery accident in June.
The 70-year-old dairy farmer was well-renowned in the Burnham-On-Sea area, given his property interests which included the Highbridge Hotel site.
He and his family have farmed in Somerset since the 1400s, and he pioneered the idea for Puxton Park near Weston. A bench was unveiled this week in his memory at the park.
Mr Mead passed away after a farming accident at The Laurels in Hewish just a month prior to the attraction celebrating its 10-year anniversary in July.
Both Derek and his son, Alistair, wanted to help connect families to farming by opening an interactive working dairy and succeeded with Puxton coming to fruition in 2007.
Employees wanted to ensure that his memory lived on for generations and made donations for a memorial bench and plaque, which has been installed inside the attraction’s grounds.
A further tree planting ceremony and plaque, also in memory of the North Somerset councillor, will take place in the coming months.
Alistair Mead said: “We were truly humbled by the kindness of our staff who have donated and installed this beautiful memorial for my father. “My family and I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and help we have received since the tragic accident.”
“Dad loved his businesses, colleagues and friends and I know he would love to sit out in the Park on this lovely memorial area watching (and chatting!) the world go by.”
Derek Mead was a grandfather, managing director of Mead Realisations, and owner of Sedgemoor Auction Centre, the biggest auction centre in southern England.
He was also a long-term member of the National Farmers Union before resigning in 2010, a racehorse owner, and enjoyed showcasing his award-winning cattle across the region.
