Tribute paid to an 'excellent citizen'

A bench seat in memory of the late Brian Washington has been installed close to a copse of trees on the public open space's south eastern corner.

The 600 teak seat recalls Mr Washington's achievement in being named Aldwick's citizen of the year for 2004, together with his wife Jane.

This recognition principally reflected the couple's devotion to West Meads Youth Club for 29 years from the early 1970s.

Mrs Washington was presented with a bouquet of flowers at the seat's official unveiling before the village fete by two-year-old Isabel Sandieson.

She is the oldest child of Emma Sandieson (32), nee Hargreaves, who was one of the club's most devoted members at its Tuesday evening meetings for around five years.

Emma first went along when she was aged seven. She said: 'The club was just so well done. There were snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts and boys versus girls football games.

'I won quite a few little shields at the club. Mr and Mrs Washington did really good presentation ceremonies of the medals.'

Mr Washington died from cancer in February, 2006 aged 59. As well as the youth club, he was greatly involved with Scouting around Bognor Regis for decades and received a top honour shortly before his death.

Scouting representatives were present at the unveiling ceremony.

West Meads Residents' Association president Carol Wiseman, who is also Aldwick Parish Council's vice-chairman, told them: 'Brian was a most extraordinary man.

'I was very proud and privileged to have worked with him over so many years. I know many of you will feel the same.

'He was a thoroughly decent man and an excellent citizen of West Meads and Aldwick.'

She recalled how Mr and Mrs Washington were some of the first people to move into the West Meads estate.

They soon realised it lacked facilities for young people and set out organising a youth club. Its initial meetings were held in the open while fundraising was carried out to build a community centre.

They switched the meetings indoors after the centre was opened. The weekly sessions attracted dozens of young people who enjoyed a range of sporting activities, but they ended after no one else was willing to replace the couple.

Mrs Washington (59), of Churchill Avenue, was joined by members of her family at the ceremony.

She said: 'We think it's a lovely gesture to have a seat in Brian's memory. It's a lovely little place for us to come to.'