I was sad to read of the death of George Ingram, aged 92.
As an engineer on Weymouth Council I had the pleasure of knowing George for many years for his work in the Direct Labour force through the 1960s and 1970s.
He was a skilled mason and kerb layer, and although small in stature he was as strong as the proverbial ox. He could lift full-sized kerbstones and lay them, always to accurate line and level - never as easy as it looked.
I attach a picture of him working on the Town Centre Traffic Management Scheme near King’s Statue in 1970. Note his trademark bobble hat!
As your article 22/6/2021 showed, George was also a superb walling mason. I think of him whenever I pass the randomrubble retaining wall along the Rodwell Road (which I designed and set out in around 1976) when he managed the delicate task of repositioning the historic heavy carved gate pillars to Springfield Lodge.
The photo shows the road – very hazardous with no footways - before it was widened. That was just one of the many jobs George carried out to improve the town in small but important ways.
I did not know him away from his work but am not surprised to learn of his generous help to his neighbours. He was always ready for a friendly chat.
STUART MORRIS
Retired Highways Agency Manager, WPBC Portland
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