Downham Grange hosts memorial rose planting event for long-serving town councillor

Downham Grange hosted a memorial tree planting event for long-serving Town Councillor John Doyle who spent his last days at the Kingsley Healthcare care home in Clackclose Road, Downham Market.

Cllr Doyle’s widow Audrey and son Steve were joined at the special service by the Mayor of Downham Market Michael Lane, town councillors past and present, the Mayor of King’s Lynn, Andy Bullen and numerous other friends from the area.

Father Neil Bryson led a service in the courtyard garden before blessing the rose which was planted by Cllr Lane.

Paying tribute to his former council colleague, Cllr Lane said: “John was a town councillor for 28 years and the only councillor to serve four times as mayor.

“I remember him giving good advice to me, as he did to all new councillors, to listen to people and not to be judgemental.”

Cllr Bullen said Cllr Lane had played an important role in making Downham Market the town it was today.

Marcia Hughes, Kingsley’s regional activities coordinator, who organised the event, said: “We all wanted to say a goodbye and remember the amazing Cllr John Doyle.

“I did not have the pleasure to spend as much time with John as some of you did but to be described as a champion of the community by his fellow councillors, well that is a life to be honoured.”

Cllr Doyle, who passed away in January, was a retired builder who contributed to so many organisations during his three decades living in the town.

He had been a school governor, a member of the Royal British Legion and Institute of Advanced Motorists and a fundraiser for East Anglian Air Ambulance and Downham Dementia.

He was married to Audrey for 64 years and they have two sons, Steve and Mark, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.