MEMBERS of Lidgett and Beyond have reacted with sadness and fond memories to the death in late 2017 of Owen Oliver, its co-founder and president.
David Cockburn-Price, Chairman of the L&B Trustees, commented: “Owen had been involved in the fight to save the Lidgett Triangle and The Rough for over thirty years. This involved fighting planning applications in both the 80s and 90s, organising predecessor action groups and supporting the setting up of the Conservation Area. More recently, he was a driving force behind Lidgett & Beyond and our campaign to defend the area against encroachment from wind turbines and other unsuitable development plans.” Lidgett and Beyond members have been posting on Facebook and sending e-mails remembering Owen. David Cockburn-Price added: “His knowledge, record-keeping, intelligence, enthusiasm and zest for life proved invaluable to us all. No-one enjoyed going from house to house delivering our leaflets and gathering information more than Owen – I think it was all the chatting with neighbours he loved the most and he simply swept us along with him at times.” Other groups also benefitted from Owen’s input over the years, including The West Craven Tennis Club and the Pendle Youth Orchestra, where he was also President for many years. John Birchenough, L&B trustee, said: “Owen believed he could make a difference and, through his energy and commitment to the cause, he did.” UPDATE - We dedicated a smart new bench at Ball Grove Country Park in memory of Owen. The bench overlooks the lake by Lakeside Café and marks the starting and finishing points for our new circular walk - The East Colne Way. His family, L&B members, MP Andrew Stephenson and local councillors gathered to admire the new bench. Chairman of the L&B Trustees, David Cockburn-Price explained: “It was wonderful to see Owen’s family and hear their touching feedback about the bench – it’s a great way to remember his terrific contribution to this area."
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDCC-P is Chairman of L&B's Trustees and Treasurer Archives
August 2018
Categories |