Remembering the Contributions of David Abrey to Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council
It is with sadness that we learn the passing of David, a longstanding member of our parish council and life-long resident of Ingatestone. He was an integral part of the council for many years dedicating his time and efforts to various initiatives that enriched parish life.
David played a significant role in shaping the direction of our parish council. He joined in 1998 and remained with us until May 2019 when he decided to formally retire. However, he could not escape and was quickly co-opted back onto the Planning Committee, attending meetings until ill health prevented him from doing so.
His chairing of the Planning Committee from May 2000 until just before his retirement was exemplary, as was his knowledge of planning law. He led with expertise, patience and humour and always had his eye on the ball when it came to developments within the village. He was the author of the Village Design Statement, the forerunner to the Neighbourhood Plan, which can still be read on our website and also wrote the text for the Fairfield Pond sign. For several years, he was the Vice-Chair of the Parish Council, working alongside the Chair and Clerk to ensure council business was conducted for the benefit of the parish.
Council Chair, Paul Jeater has said of David “In a lifetime of experience in the village, until recently, you could still regularly see David around and about walking his beloved dog, Jess. He gave years of service to the council in a voluntary capacity. He is the epitome of a public servant to the parish council and other local organisations, and he will be fondly remembered by us all.”
Parish Clerk, Abi Wood has said of David “I met David at my interview in 2015 and will always remember him asking me whether I liked dogs; it was clearly a deciding factor as to me getting the job. After that Jess (and David) were regular visitors to the parish office and I will sorely miss his chats and knowledge. He was a lovely gentleman who always had a twinkle of mischief in his eye.”
In remembering David, let us acknowledge his dedication to our parish and strive to uphold the values he embodied. Though he may be gone, his contributions will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Rest in peace, David. Your legacy will live on in the work we continue to do for our parish community.
