Roll of Honour

Anson Westbrook

Tributes have been paid to a former Bournemouth councillor who died peacefully in hospital on November 21, at the age of 74. Born in Banff, Scotland, on July 14, 1938 joined the army, serving in the Royal Engineers before joining 9th Parachute Squadron. For the last two years of his military career he was a member of the SAS, seeing active service in Palestine and Aden. Anson often recalled how his first glimpse of Dorset had been when he parachuted into Poole harbour as part of a training exercise.

A great rugby fan, he worked for the Scottish Rugby Union for many years as secretary for Scottish Exiles, a team of Scottish players living outside their native land. As part of this role he sought out young local players, eligible to play for Scotland.

True to his roots, he loved the poetry of Robert Burns and often hosted Burns Suppers. Paying tribute to "a true gentleman," former Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Smith said: "Anson was very charming and a real character.