Tributes have been paid to the former Mayor of a Gloucestershire town who played an enormous role in championing it.
David Blick was mayor three times and founder squire of The Forest of Dean Morris Men.
Forest of Dean District council chairman Julia Gooch told last night’s (July 15) council meeting that Mr Blick, who died in May this year, loved Newent and its people.
“He became a district councillor soon after moving to Newent in 1975,” she said.
“His special talents were soon noted and he became a cabinet member.
“He became a town councillor in 1984 and was a mayor on three occasions.
“He inaugurated the renewal of the Onion Fayre and coordinated and oversaw the dredging of Newent Lake, a massive undertaking which involved the army.
“He instituted the purchase of land for the Newent cemetery extension and said it was the largest cheque he had ever signed.
She said Mr Blick also championed the Newent Millenium Arboretum and raised funds for charity.
“David loved Newent and its people and was a wonderful caretaker for his time on the council,” she said.
“He retired from the town council in 2019 and our thoughts go to his family.”
Councillor Vilnis Vesma said he was privileged to work alongside him in the early years of the Onion Fayre
He said people descended on Newent for his funeral from all over the country to pay their respects.
“It was a touching scene indeed to see his funeral cortege led by dancers and musicians proceeding through the town and being applauded by crowds lining the street,” he said.
“Newent will remember him for a long time for his unrivalled contribution to its civic and cultural life.”
