Town pays tribute to ‘giant of a man’ (From Evesham Journal)

Pershore pays tribute to ‘giant of a man’

3:40pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Sarah Taylor

HUNDREDS of people gathered in Pershore Abbey for a memorial service for a colourful councillor who was devoted to making the town a better place.

David Shaw was a serving town councillor when he died of a brain haemorrhage on Saturday, January 5, and was remembered by the congregation of about 250 for his contribution to the town.

Known for his unique taste in waistcoats, many of the mourners wore coloured clothing, as requested by the family, while others simply donned a Birmingham City Football Club scarf in memory of Mr Shaw, who supported the team.

In commemoration of Mr Shaw, three speakers addressed the assembled crowd, including one of his seven children, Jason Pinchin.

Mr Pinchin read out messages from his brothers and sister. The first from Michael Shaw said: “Dad, I am still in shock that you are gone.

“I will always remember the good times as a kid. I will miss you around town in your waistcoats.”

Another by Matthew Pinchin, Mr Shaw’s stepson read: “I will miss the way you always had time for us all. We had lots of good times and I will cherish them forever.”

Fellow Pershore Town Councillor Chris Parsons also spoke in memory of Mr Shaw and said the flag at the town hall was flying at half mast for the first time.

He said: “He has served this town faithfully for the last 22 years. He always considered what was best for Pershore, the town he loved. He was a giant of a man.”

Angela Tidmarsh, tourism officer for Wychavon, also spoke as she worked with Mr Shaw to organise the Plum Festival, which he founded alongside former Pershore mayor Marion Freeman who died at the end of last year.

A service held to commemorate Mrs Freeman at Pershore Abbey on Monday, January 14, saw about 200 people turn out to pay their respects for the author and town stalwart.