Memorial planned for David Holtby

Plans have been announced to establish a permanent memorial to the late district councillor for Hungerford, David Holtby.

Following a successful and distinguished military career, Mr Holtby was an elected councillor for Hungerford since 2007 and was vice chairman of West Berkshire Council.

He died suddenly in June 2013, prompting West Berkshire Council leader Gordon Lundie (Con, Lambourn Valley) to remark: “David was a remarkable man who worked tirelessly for the people of Hungerford.”

“Many of us who are elected today will remember David for his kindness, humour and sense of purpose. We are all deeply saddened by this untimely loss.”

Mr Holtby was also the agent for Newbury MP Richard Benyon, who described him as a “great Hungerfordian, great Englishman and a brave and loyal friend”.

At a recent meeting of Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee, Mr Holtby’s colleague Paul Hewer (Con, Hungerford) announced plans for a memorial.

He said: “The idea is for a tree or a bench to be placed at Hungerford Wharf. You’ll recall the tree that was planted for Gwynneth Bullock.”

Mr Hewer was referring to the late former town mayor who died in October 2012, aged 79.

A willow tree was planted on the riverbank in her honour in January 2013.

Mr Hewer said: “I have spoken to West Berkshire Council about it and they are quite happy to pay for and install a tree or bench but suggested arrangements for it would be better coming through this council.”

Town councillor Roger Thompson supported the idea and said: “I miss him – we used to have some good scraps!

“There would be a lot of support for the idea. He was largely responsible for driving the footbridge project through.

“I don’t think we would have got the money for it without him.”

Mr Hewer added: “It’s coming up for two years since he died.

“The wharf is an area of the town we should be promoting more and more, in any event.

“I’m looking for your permission to sanction a memorial and for the town council to arrange it.”

Town councillor Carolann Farrell sounded a note of caution, stating: “You will need to put it to the recreation and amenities committee because we would be responsible for the upkeep of any memorial bench and a decision was taken that there were to be no more benches.

“I’m not against the idea, but we need to be aware of that.”

The committee decided in favour of exploring the matter further.