Local housebuilder pays tribute to much-loved Ross-on-Wye mayor … by naming a new residential street in his honour
On Thursday, local dignitaries gathered at The Orchards, a David Wilson Homes development in Hildersley, for the official unveiling of ‘Bedford Way’ — a street named in honour of late Ross-on-Wye mayor, Derek Bedford.
The much-loved former mayor moved to Ross-on-Wye in 1992 and served as a town councillor for two decades, serving the community he loved with pride and unrivalled work ethic.
Mr Bedford and his wife, Meryl, then went on to serve as Mayor and Mayoress of Ross-on-Wye in 2001 and 2007 — thriving as community activists in their roles, with a visit to the House of Commons being a career highlight for the couple.
On visiting the street named after her late husband for the first time, Meryl said: “I am delighted that Ross Town Council and David Wilson Homes chose to name the development’s main street ‘Bedford Way’.
“Derek would have been over the moon at the thought of being remembered in this way — and I hope The Orchards’ residents enjoy living in the lovely town of Ross-on-Wye just as much as Derek did.”
Town Mayor, Louis Stark, also paid tribute to Derek during the ceremony. He said: “I knew Derek in his role as a leading light in the town for several years. He was always engaging and willing to provide advice on local matters — with the best interests of Ross at the heart of everything he did. This is an extremely fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his town.”
Bedford was also a major figure in the local church community, as an active Methodist Minister for 28 years. He established a number of new churches across the UK, including the nation’s first-ever ‘shared’ church — dubbed by many as a daring experiment at the time.
Richard Lawson, divisional sales director for David Wilson Homes who led the ceremony on Thursday, added: “It is a great honour for us to have played a part in preserving the memory of such a loved figure in Ross-on-Wye, and we are extremely grateful to Mrs Bedford and Mayor Stark for joining us today to unveil this tribute.”