Tributes paid to former Ashfield District Council chairman on anniversary of his death

Cllr Brewer, affectionately known as Tony, was chairman of Ashfield District Council and an Ashfield Independent councillor for the Skegby ward and died on April 7 last year aged 74, from Covid-19 at King’s Mill Hospital.

Tony was a popular figure across Skegby, where he lived with his partner Pat, and he also served as a volunteer at the Welcome Treatment Centre at King’s Mill Hospital for many years, serving refreshments to patients whilst they were receiving their treatment for cancer – a cause which was very close to his heart.

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith is Deputy Leader of Ashfield District Council and worked closely with Tony across Skegby for many years – she paid a moving tribute to the man who was also affectionately known as ‘captain’ to many.

She said: “One year on, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of our Tony.

"We worked so well together – he was passionate about cleaning up Skegby, he was passionate about road safety and he just wanted to make Skegby a better place to live.

"Tony also campaigned against over-development and championed investment in our parks and open spaces.”

Ashfield's Council Leader Jason Zadrozny was ‘devastated’ at the news of Tony's passing last year, and also paid tribute a year on from his death.

He said: “He fought till the end and is a great loss to residents in Skegby, the Ashfield District and, of course, the Ashfield Independents.

"I knew Tony for more than ten years and, even though it’s now a year since he died, I still can’t believe that he is no longer with us.

"We were proud recently to put a memorial stone in the garden near King’s Mill Hospital.

"This was to remember Tony, our NHS heroes and all of those who have lost their lives through Covid-19 in the past year.

"The pain of losing such a good friend is shared by so many residents and councillors from across the whole Ashfield area."

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