Memorial plaque in memory of former town mayor

A memorial plaque has been unveiled in Newtown town centre for a former town mayor and town councillor.

The plaque has been unveiled on a public seat in the town centre in memory of Cllr Phil Watkins.

Cllr Watkins served on Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council for 23 years and was Mayor from 1997 to 1998.

"The plaque has been placed on a town park bench commemorating the exceptional long council service Cllr Phil Watkins provided to the town," said the town council.

Councillor Joy Jones, who was Chair of the Services Committee said: “I asked the town council to support the plaque as a memorial to all his work and as a way of the council to pay their respects during these strange times as we were unable to attend his funeral."

“Phil was very passionate about the town and always did his best to help to promote and work for the benefit of Newtown and the Town Council. He had a kind heart and cared deeply for the residents of the town and always wanted to help whatever the problem. He will be sadly missed by many, and I feel very fortunate to have known him and for all of his kind words of support and encouragement”.

Current Mayor, Cllr Richard Williams, said: “Phil Watkins worked tirelessly for the people of Newtown, serving on the Town Council and as Mayor from 1997 to 1998. He was a dedicated school governor and volunteer to many organisations. He will be missed by many in our town. In recognition of his service, the Town Council has supported the plaque in memory of him.”

Cllr Phil Watkins was heavily involved within many organisations of Newtown. He was a dedicated governor of Maesyrhandir School, set up the Phoenix furniture charity in Newtown and a big part within the Newtown Carnival committee for many years, helping to ensure its running as an annual event. Phil was also a loyal supporter of Newtown Silver band, helping to set up the Silver Band Competition in the Park.

The bench on which the plaque has been placed upon is located in the Town Park, just inside the park gates near to the Oriel Davies Museum.

The family of Phil Watkins also commented that “The entire Watkins family would just like to say a very big thank you to the entire Town Council of Newtown for the installation of both the bench and plaque which has been very moving tribute to my father who gave nearly 30 years of his life to his birth town and also anybody who asked him for help.”