THERE will be a special dedication ceremony this weekend for a bench which has been placed in the Lickey Hills as a memorial to popular youth worker Daz Bretel.
Daz died at the age of 42 on December 13 last year after a suffering a heart attack at The Factory youth centre in Longbridge where he worked.
Everyone who knew Daz is welcome to the ceremony at 11am on Saturday (December 13) where Rev Nick Jones will say a few words at the event to dedicate the bench.
The Bretel family has lived in Rednal for more than 60 years and Daz had worked in South Birmingham for more than 20 years.
He started out as a volunteer youth worker, before being given a full-time position, which he loved.
More than 250 people attended his funeral and many donated cash which has now funded the bench. It has been made by Birmingham City Council and placed on the Beacon.
Daz’s brother Mark said: “The bench has been installed in a tranquil place up the Beacon in Rednal.
“The Beacon and the Lickeys were and still are our playground – his ashes will also be scattered up here.”
Mark thanked Andy and Gemma Cartwright who he said had worked tirelessly to ensure the memorial bench became a reality.
“We would like to thank all those involved in organising and allowing this to happen,” added Mark.
Those going along should walk from the car park towards the castle and then, halfway there, turn 90 degrees left and the bench is there.
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Daz’s mum Mavis Whitehouse on the memorial bench. s
