Celebration of Derek Albutt - the man who ran seven businesses across Weymouth

A fundraising walk is being organised this weekend in memory of Derek Albutt.

Mr Albutt, 90, died in March this year following a short illness.

Derek Albutt with his wife of 62 years Susan

After moving to Weymouth in 1970, Mr Albutt ran a mobile greengrocery, using a lorry to sell fruit and vegetables to people without easy access to transport.

Using the money from this, he purchased the first of many shops that he would own in the town over the next 40 years.

Derek Albutt - right - in the newsagents he owned on The Esplanade

Together with his wife Susan, the couple owned and ran Pullinger’s Restaurant at the Pier Bandstand, Golden Coast Amusements, along with several cafés and gift shops, while he also converted a building into apartments for holidaymakers.

His daughter, Janet Nash said: "Dad was a true entrepreneur with a knack for creating an amazing business out of nothing.

"After buying his first shop, everything snowballed as he was always looking for new opportunities. At his busiest, he was running six or seven shops and businesses.

"Dad was driven by a strong work ethic, but also by his pride in Weymouth. He loved the area and when people came here on their holiday, he wanted to show-off the town, and make sure they had a wonderful experience.

“He was also committed to supporting the community. Even at the height of the summer season, he would always find time to organise a float for the carnival and have us out shaking a tin for local charities. I honestly don’t know how he managed to fit it all in.”

Golden Coast Amusements - one of many businesses owned by Derek Albutt

The father-of-four continued working into his late 70s, before eventually deciding to retire. However, that plan did not last long.

Mrs Nash added: "Dad decided he needed to slow down, so he sold the caravan park which was his last remaining business.

"However, he could not resist one last venture, so he used the money to buy and renovate two bungalows.

"He was meant to be taking it easy, but there he was on a JCB digging out a building site."

Derek Albutt outside the Bowleaze Cafe

To celebrate his life and support the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Mrs Nash is organising a fundraising walk that will take place on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19.

Friends and family members will be walking along the coast from Bowleaze Cove to Durdle Door. The 10-mile route has special significance as Mr Albutt built the first café and car park at Bowleaze Cove and owned the bar, shop, and other amenities at the caravan park at Durdle Door.

"Dad survived two heart attacks, so knew first-hand just what a difference the BHF has made in developing new treatments and improving care," said Mrs Nash.

Victoria Carswell, fundraising manager for the BHF, said: “I'd like to thank Janet for organising this very special walk to remember her father and support our work."

For more information, contact Mrs Nash on 07900 553737.