Weymouth Rotary's new defib in memory of Andrew Prowse

Weymouth has a new defibrillator outside Pilgrim House in Hope Square, officially unveiled by Weymouth Rotary Club which has its base there.

The unveiling ceremony was bittersweet as the device has been put in place as a tribute to Weymouth Rotary stalwart, Andrew Prowse, who passed away suddenly aged 70 in June 2020 following a heart attack.

Mr Prowse was a former police officer with 30 years of experience and was well-known in the community. He supported many causes through his work with local groups including the Rotary Club, The Society of Dorset Men and Weymouth Town Charities.

Mr Prowse’s daughter Natalie McMillan, 53, said: “Dad was always very proud to have lived in Weymouth and been part of its community.

“This defibrillator which was paid for by money raised and donated in his name to the Rotary is a fitting tribute to what he stood for. He was always the first to offer assistance and support for those in need from his long-standing career in the police force and his support to many local charities.

“As a family, this recognition gives us enormous pride and comfort for him to be formally remembered in this way and this life-saving equipment is a marvellous tribute to his memory.”

David Langridge, President of Weymouth Rotary, and a trustee of Pilgrim House led the event with Mr Prowse’s widow, Pam, unveiling the defibrillator unit and a plaque in her husband’s memory.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Langridge said “Weymouth Rotary and others, including Andrew’s family, raised funds in his name after he passed away. We couldn’t mark our respect to him fully at the time because of the Covid-19 restrictions but like hundreds of others, we lined the streets to the crematorium to pay our respects.

“With those funds that we and others raised, we felt putting a de-fib unit on the Pilgrim House building seemed a fitting tribute and hopefully it will help save lives in the future if anyone suffers a heart attack in the harbour area.”