The 50th anniversary of the death of a Wiltshire man who was killed whilst building a key motorway viaduct has been marked with a new memorial.

Last month marked half a century since Burbage man Derek Thomas tragically died whilst building a viaduct for the A329 over the River Loddon.

The A329 motorway is a key route for Reading, the M4, Wokingham and Bracknell.

Tragically, a temporary structure that was being used for building the viaduct collapsed on October 24, 1972, killing three men and injuring 10 others.

At the time, two of those who died were named as Derek Thomas, 50, of Burbage, Wiltshire, and Derek Cooper, 40, of Fleet Hampshire.

The Loddon viaduct is the point where the parishes of Earley, Woodley and Winnersh meet.

The suggestion that a memorial should be made on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy was led by Liberal Democrat councillor Alistair Neal.

In memorial of the men, Earley and Woodley town councils planted a commemorative tree at Dinton Pastures in Winnersh on November 16.

The planting was attended by Cllr Neal, the mayor of Earley, Councillor Tahir Maher (Liberal Democrats, Maiden Erlegh) and the deputy mayor of Woodley Councillor Kay Gilder (Conservative, South Lake South).

The tree selected, a Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus), is known for its strength and extracts of the tree were traditionally used as a tonic to relieve tiredness and heal wounds. These qualities make it a fitting memorial to the lives lost in the tragedy.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Councillor Alistair Neal (middle) headed calls for the three men who died in the Loddon viaduct tragedy to be remembered (pictured with Earley town mayor Tahir Maher and Woodley town deputy mayor Kay Gilder). Credit: Earley Town CouncilCouncillor Alistair Neal (middle) headed calls for the three men who died in the Loddon viaduct tragedy to be remembered (pictured with Earley town mayor Tahir Maher and Woodley town deputy mayor Kay Gilder). Credit: Earley Town Council

As the Hornbeam keeps its leaves all year round, it will serve as a winter haven for wildlife, providing shelter and support to a wide variety of animals.

It is hoped that this memorial will provide a peaceful focus for reflection and remembrance of the lives lost and all those affected by the Loddon Viaduct Collapse, so that they may always be remembered.

Councillor Neal represents the St Nicholas ward on Earley Town Council and the Hillside ward on Wokingham Borough Council.