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

Tributes have been paid to former Ashfield District Council chairman Anthony Brewer on the first anniversary of the death.
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Coun Brewer, affectionately known as Tony, was chairman of the council and an Ashfield Independent councillor for the Skegby ward.

He died on April 7 last year, aged 74, from Covid-19, at King’s Mill Hospital.

Coun Helen-Ann Smith, deputy leader of the council, paid a moving tribute, saying: “One year on, not a day goes by when I don’t think of our Tony, we worked so well together.”

Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Tony BrewerChairman of Ashfield District Council, Tony Brewer
Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Tony Brewer

Coun Jason Zadrozny, the council leader, said he had been ‘devastated’ at the news of Tony’s passing last year’ and also paid tribute to the man they called ‘captain’.

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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.

Councillors Jason Zadrozny and Rachel Madden with Tony at the re-unveiling of the historic Naggs Head in Kirkby in March 2019.Councillors Jason Zadrozny and Rachel Madden with Tony at the re-unveiling of the historic Naggs Head in Kirkby in March 2019.
Councillors Jason Zadrozny and Rachel Madden with Tony at the re-unveiling of the historic Naggs Head in Kirkby in March 2019.

"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."