THE ‘Echo’ tribute page this week gave an account of the life time achievements of a very special, well known and respected past local dignitary; one Leslie Ames who will be greatly missed by all who knew him or had met him.

The tributes would not be complete without the mention of one important fact; that Leslie Ames helped make it possible for the people of this town to commemorate our link with our Antipodean Commonwealth cousins down under.

As chairman of Weymouth and Portland Residents (formerly Ratepayers) Association, he was instrumental in obtaining planning permission to place the ANZAC (Australian & New Zealand Army Corps) Memorial on Weymouth Esplanade.

Moreover, he negotiated with a Portland stone company to obtain the materials to have it constructed. I know as I was very much involved with the project, mostly in the historical research issues. It was a resounding success and is recognised as a respectful reminder of those ANZACS that were encamped or hospitalised in the Weymouth area.

ALVIN L HOPPER

Walpole St

Weymouth