Ashfield says goodbye to "beloved" former council chairman

Ashfield District Council said its “final farewell to Councillor Anthony ‘Tony’ Brewer today, Friday.

Cllr Brewer’s funeral was at 2.15pm, at Mansfield Crematorium. He made his final journey from his home on Wheatfield Way, Skegby, at 1.40pm.

The cortege proceeded from Wheatfield Way, down Buttery Lane, Mansfield Road, Forest Road, Dalestorth Street, Outram Street, High Pavement, Kirkby Road, Sutton Road, Chapel Street, Victoria Road, and on Urban Road where it paused outside the Ashfield District Council offices.

It then proceeded through Kirkby town centre, up Diamond Avenue, and on Derby Road towards the Mansfield Crematorium. Residents lined the street and applauded as it passed.

At the Urban Road offices, social distancing was observed as ADC Chairman Cllr Andy Meakin, Vice Chairman, Arnie Hankin, Leader, Cllr Jason Zadrozny and council members and officers said ‘goodbye.’

‘Abide with Me’ was played, followed by an excerpt of ‘Captain Birdseye,’ a nickname he was affectionately known by.

A council statement said: “Tony was much loved at Ashfield District Council.”

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council said, “We were proud to see people lining the streets from his home in Skegby, through Sutton, into Kirkby and onto Mansfield Crematorium.

“It was hugely emotional as we said goodbye to not just a trusted colleague but a beloved friend. This has been a challenging time for everybody who knew and loved him.

“We have been humbled by all the messages we have received after losing Anthony so tragically. The council staff that Anthony loved and admired so much came out en masse.

“It was a fitting tribute to somebody who always put the people of Skegby and our district first. We will continue to fly our flags at half mast in tribute not just Anthony but for anybody affected by coronavirus.”

Sarah Taylor, group leader of 1st Skegby Scouts said: “I’d like to express our sincere condolences for the loss of Anthony Brewer.

“We had regular contact with Tony in his efforts to support the group to become a bigger part of the community.

“Through regular talks, we were overwhelmed at the church with the number of young people attending and were involved in reading out the names of those in Skegby, who lost their lives during WWII.”

Jo Alvey, Pleasley Road, Skegby, who has worked to improve road safety and fight over development said, “As a local councillor, he had huge local knowledge, he cared from the heart and was passionate about his role in our community.

“It wasn’t possible to just know him in a professional capacity, however you got to know Tony, he was a friend. Honourable and kind, always. We were lucky to have Tony as our councillor.”

Mandy Williams, headteacher, St Andrew’s Primary School said: “He was closely linked with St Andrew’s through family members attending the school, and a keen, passionate advocate for our school and the wider Skegby community. I want to pass on our sincere condolences to his family and friends from all the staff, children and parents at St Andrews.”