A Tree Grows in Ashington: Community Honours Litter-Picking Hero George Dobson on St George’s Day
Friends, family, and fellow litter-pickers gathered to plant a tree and unveil a commemorative plaque in memory of a much-loved volunteer who dedicated himself to keeping Ashington’s streets clean.
The Ashington Community Litter Project, supported by Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council, came together on Thursday 23rd April — St George’s Day — to plant a tree and dedicate a plaque in memory of George Dobson, who rekindled the spirit of the group, who passed away suddenly in February.
The memorial tree was planted in a fitting tribute on the day that bears his patron saint’s name. Gathered to mark the occasion were George’s wife Maureen and family, fellow litter-picking volunteers, and councillors and officers from both Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council.
The event was organised by Tommy Johnson and Scott Wilson, who first approached the councils to seek permission to plant the tree following George’s death. Tommy described George as a “a real leader” of the group. Addressing those gathered, Tommy invited everyone to join a minute’s round of applause in George’s honour — a gesture, he said, that George himself would have much preferred to a minute’s silence.
Maureen, George’s wife, shared that George believed it was his personal mission to rid Ashington’s streets of litter — and that he went a very long way towards achieving that goal. She reflected that he had motivated many others to join him, a number of whom were among those gathered at the tree planting.
George will be remembered very fondly by all who knew him. He continues to be missed and will never be forgotten.
Ashington Town Council was honoured to support the Ashington Community Litter Project in creating this lasting memorial. George embodied the very best of community spirit, and it is entirely fitting that a tree — something that will grow and endure — stands in his memory in the town he loved and served so well.
George's Memorial Tree
