Community remembers 'generous' and 'respected' former Weymouth councillor

Andy Hutchings, a Labour councillor for 24 years at the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, died at his home on Friday, September 11.

The 73-year-old was fondly remembered by his brother, Graham, as a “a lively character” who “worked hard to do anything for anyone.”

Since news of his passing was made public, dozens of people have shared their own touching tributes and memories of Mr Hutchings. 

Residents commented how Mr Hutchings was a “fine man” who “gave his all to representing people” and spoke of his “great love for Weymouth.”

Mark Addison, chairman of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, described him as a “true and loyal friend of Dorset County Hospital over many years.”

He continued: “He was a Governor at the Trust when I arrived in 2016, and a key elected member of the Council of Governors for as long as the rules allowed him to be.

“He always thought about patients and what they needed from us, and he always brought practical and useful examples to every conversation. 

“His enthusiasm never failed for the work the hospital does and nor did his determination that the services we offer to local people should be protected. 

“That determination was strong, but Andy was always polite, courteous and generous. When he returned home after being treated here he would always, without fail, write thanking us and letting us know by name who had looked after him and asking that his thanks be passed on.”

John Culley, a former councillor, recalled how Mr Hutchings would “always respect other peoples’ views” and how hard he fought for his constituents. 

He said: “At my first meeting, I very nervously put forward a proposal for some local issue, to do with parking in my ward.

“Andy’s hand shot straight up and he spoke in support. (He was) one of the good guys.”

In recent years, he was an Honorary Alderman at the council and a governor at Dorset County Hospital.

Louie O’Leary, a Conservative councillor on Dorset Council, spoke fondly of how they would regularly talk politics and local matters despite their own political allegiances.

He said: “I remember seeing Andy at last year's local election count sat down watching the goings on when I went to fetch him a glass of water despite the fact I had a blue rosette and he had a red one it didn’t matter. 

“I remember going into local politics last year and despite the fact it had been some time since Andy was on the council I was told by an elderly family member ‘now make sure you be nice to Mr Hutchings’. 

“Andy was committed to Weymouth and he will be missed by people of all sides of the political divide.

“He was a key member of the Weymouth community, which was so close to his heart, and he helped us at the hospital make that community connection real. He will be very much and very widely missed.”

Hon Alderman Reverend, Brian Ellis, remembered how Andy would put others before himself. 

Andy Hutchings was a well known and much loved councillor

“I served with Andy for many years on the Borough Council. Political differences never got in the way as he had a great love for Weymouth, his community of Westham and his motivation was to put people first. 

“A thoroughly decent man of whom I have many good memories from the time we first met in 1981 and onwards. Thanks for the memories and his total commitment.”

Graham Hutchings was left touched by the numerous tributes to his brother and left by Dorset Echo readers in the last few days.

He said: "We are very pleased to see all the wonderful comments and messages we have received about Andrew.

"The family are grateful."