Tribute to PHIL LUMLEY

I am copying this tribute onto my blog because, although I did not know Phil personally, he obviously had similar interests and pursuits to myself within the Purwell Valley.
Our best wishes go out to his family at this time.

"To Friends of Oughtonhead Common, Friends of Purwell Valley, Hitchin Councillors, NHDC staff, other people who knew him


I'm afraid that I have some very sad news to pass on regarding Phil Lumley who has lost his long battle with cancer.
When he retired from the pharmaceutical industry about 8 years ago, Phil helped the Bedford branch of BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and started running volunteer tasks for them. He got to know about the work of the Countryside Management Service as well and joined our midweek team.
He was particularly impressed with Oughtonhead Common and offered to become the honarary site warden.


He devoted immense energy into running tasks there and inspired an ever-increasing band of loyal helpers- several of whom were working there selflessly yesterday in the rain to chip up branches coppiced earlier, in order to improve path surfaces.


Phil compiled a management plan for the site and managed to obtain thousands of pounds worth of grants to pay for larger projects. Visitors to the Common will benefit from his efforts for many years to come. He also organised guided walks there and was involved with other projects including improving footpaths in his home parish of Graveley.


We will miss his huge enthusiasm, dedication and determination to get things done and it is a great shame that his retirement has been cut short like this when he still had many unfulfilled plans. However, I am sure that he obtained great satisfaction from what he did achieve.


Phil braved his illness with great resolution and remained cheerful even while he was having treatment which he knew would only delay the inevitable, and he used his last few months well to get his affairs in order.


We will miss him greatly here at the Countryside Management Service. I have sent our deepest sympathy to Helen."

Derek Turner
Projects Officer
Countryside Management Service
The Old Dairy, Bedford Rd, Ickleford,
Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3RR
Tel 01462 459395
http://www.hertslink.org/cms
----- Forwarded by Derek Turner/Hertford/ENV/HertsCC on 01/03/2011 09:28 -----