When Tommy Casewell of Bryn Melyn in Llynclys passed away on the 6th February this year, Gareth the Manager at McColls in Pant put a collection tin in the shop and was hoping to collect enough for a memorial bench – Tommy’s Bench.
Eventually the collection grew and he had enough for the bench, but was uncertain where he could buy one and then needed a place to site it. He contacted the Parish Council for help, and wanted to know where it could go and what permission was needed.
Tommy was a keen follower of Council events, so the Parish Council agreed the bench would be best enjoyed in the playground at Pant, and the collection now amounting to £365, was banked in the Council’s account. Councillors gave their approval for the bench to be purchased from Plastecowood Ltd in Bodelwyddan at a cost of £345 plus vat, the Council pay vat, but it is reclaimable.
The environmentally friendly bench is made of recycled plastic and looks like old oak. It is a well built heavy seat and does not need any maintenance at all.
It needed to be transported from the company in North Wales to Pant, and Blue Box of Oswestry very kindly offered to collect it and bring it to Pant free of charge. Malcolm Lewis (builders) offered to install the seat at the playground, also without charge.
There will be the small cost of the engraved plaque, which will be covered by the £20 residue. If the plaque costs less than that, any remaining money will be donated to the Dogs Trust, because Tommy was certainly a dog lover, always seen walking his dog.
The local community came together at an event in Pant Memorial Hall to celebrate Tommy’s life.