Next year will mark the fifth anniversary of the sudden and unexpected death of Hastings Borough Council’s then leader Jeremy Birch.

To mark the milestone his partner, Louise Carlyle, is asking the public for their contributions to a book she is planning to compile.

“Next year it will be five years – half a decade – since my partner Jeremy died. At the time of his death many people wrote wonderful tributes, poems and songs celebrating his life.

“I’m drawing these tributes together and asking for more contributions. I am planning to use these tributes for a special short publication to celebrate Jeremy’s life and to provide a lasting memento for friends and family – especially Jeremy’s children and grandchildren – and for posterity because I believe his life was a model many can learn from. All contributions will be treasured and kept in a file for the family.”

Louise is inviting anyone who knew Jeremy in his various roles to send her a contribution of up to 300 words.

“Jeremy was extraordinary in his level of commitment to public service and he was very ambitious for the town. He was always positive about what might be achieved.

“The publication will include poems and notes written at the time of Jeremy’s death. Please if you produced something at the time would you send me a copy?” she asks.

Louise says that as far as a deadline for contributions is concerned she would like material, “as soon as possible please.”

You an send your submissions to Louise_carlyle@hotmail.com