THE Six In One Club in Tonbridge has installed a bench outside its premises on Northwood Road in memory of former Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councillor Jean Atkinson.
Deputy Mayor Pam Bates, who is also Members and Minutes Secretary of Six In One, made a speech in recognition of Jean’s tireless hard work for the community.
Jean was a borough councillor for the Trench ward from 2007 until her death on October 9 last year.
She was a key member of many committees and advisory boards and was Cabinet Member for Housing in 2011-12.
“Jean did so much for our community”
Members of Jean’s family attended the ceremony along with MP Tom Tugendhat, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Leader Nicolas Heslop and the club’s President Brian Rabbett, Chairman George Maile and Secretary and Treasurer Toni Jepson.
Mrs Bates said: “Jean did so much for our community – she helped many individuals at the club and was instrumental in helping us to find funding for our disabled toilet facilities.
“I think she would have been surprised that people thought so much of her. She didn’t expect thanks for her work, she just wanted to help people.
“It was important to us to do something to express how grateful we are for everything she did for the club and dedicating a bench in her memory seemed like the perfect way to say thank you.”
Mr Tugendhat added: “Jean Atkinson was an example of duty and care, and I was honoured to call her a friend. It was a privilege to be at the dedication of a bench in her memory.
“Jean supported people in many different ways and her hard work, generosity and dedication to helping the community she represented will never be forgotten.”
