Memorial bench for tragic Burnham family (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Memorial bench for tragic Burnham family

6:01am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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A MEMORIAL bench is to honour three members of the same family who died in a plane crash.

John and Angela Smith, and their daughter Jacqueline, all from Burnham, died on April 9 last year.

They had been flying home from Oban, Scotland, where they celebrated Mr and Mrs Smith's 31st wedding anniversary, when their plane, a PA-28R turbo Cherokee Arrow, crashed onto remote farmland near Argyll.

Over the last year, the idea of installing a permanent memorial to them has been raised on several occasions although it was decided to leave the decision-making until after the first anniversary of the tragedy.

Discussions have been held with the family - including Mr and Mrs Smith's elder daughter Christina and son Richard.

Now Burnham Town Council has announced its plans to put a special bench in their honour outside its offices in Chapel Road, Burnham.

Judy Paveley, Mrs Smith's sister, said: "As a family, we certainly felt it was time they were honoured for their contribution to Burnham and to the Maldon district.

"Angela was the backbone of John, and Jacqueline, who was raised and educated in Burnham, was equally as well known in the town.

"We feel it is a lovely honour for us to think they are going to be remembered.

"I think the location of the bench, outside the council offices, is a good place."

The cost of the memorial will be covered by the town council, along with Maldon District Council and the Dengie Hundred 41 Club, of which Mr Smith was a member.

David McNeill, Burnham town clerk, said: "It was felt a memorial for John, Angela and Jacqueline Smith should be put in Burnham to recognise their contribution to the town.

"The members were in full support of the proposal and we hope to move ahead with this as quickly as possible.

"We will have an unveiling ceremony to which the family, district and town councillors, 41 Club members and Burnham MP John Whittingdale will be invited."

Alan Cheshire, leader of Maldon District Council, said: "On behalf of the council, I am pleased to add our support to the dedication of a memorial bench to the Smith family in recognition of their valuable contribution to the community."

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