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Tributes paid to founder of award-winning Hythe Shed at the pier and former councillor Allan Fairhead




TRIBUTES have been paid to the founder of a Waterside men’s group who passed away just weeks after being honoured with an award.

Allan Fairhead, who was also a former councillor on Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, founded Hythe Shed at the pier in 2019.

His wife Ann announced his death on the group’s Facebook page on Monday, stating: “It is with great sadness I have to inform everyone that Allan passed away in the early hours of this morning.”

Allan Fairhead with the certificate from the UK Men’s Shed awards
Allan Fairhead with the certificate from the UK Men’s Shed awards

A spokesperson for Hythe and Dibden Parish Council said Allan had been a “pillar of the community”, adding: “Many will remember Allan as a dedicated councillor, a valued colleague, a dear friend, and the driving force behind Hythe Shed at the pier. His loss is deeply felt by all [and] we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Ann, and his family during this difficult time.”

Cllr Malcolm Wade, who served alongside Allan on the parish council, said: “It is with great sadness that I learned today of the loss of Allan.

“[He] was an excellent parish councillor, who brought his knowledge and experience to the council which benefitted greatly for it. He was a stalwart in the community with his input to Hythe Pier Heritage Association and the Hythe Shed. His personal contribution to the community was outstanding.

“He will be sorely missed not only as an ex-councillor, a community activist, but as someone I had deep personal regards for. My deepest condolences to Ann and the family.”

A Hythe Pier Heritage Association spokesperson added: “Everyone at HPHA is sad to hear of the death of Allan. He was a great supporter of the work of HPHA and a good and supportive friend to many of us. His energy and ‘can do’ attitude has helped us deliver many of our restoration projects.

“He will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to Ann and his family.”

Allan founded the group, which is based in a restored building alongside Hythe pier, to provide a space for men to socialise and help members with projects. Members are also heavily involved with the restoration of Hythe pier and its unique railway.

As reported in the A&T, last November group chair Allan and colleague Greg Dawe attended the UK Men’s Shed Association awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, where they were presented with the runner-up prize in the ‘health and wellbeing’ category.

Also in attendance was speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who spoke of the value of Men’s Sheds in the community.

Speaking afterwards, “proud” Allan said: “Although we were in the top three in our category, we didn’t win. However, top three to us is a winner, as there are over 1,100 sheds in the UK.”



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