Langdyke stalwart Brian Lawrence – expert birdwatcher and wildlife photographer – has died after a short battle with cancer.
He was a long-standing Langdyke Trustee and served as treasurer for ten years. He was also responsible for guiding the Trust to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. His expert financial knowledge and experience as a local government officer before retirement proved invaluable.
His wife Mimi was often at his side at Langdyke events and remains a great Langdyke supporter. They were both made honorary members several years ago.
Langdyke chair Richard Astle said: “Our thoughts are with Mimi and the family. Brian was a huge part of the Trust for many years, serving as Treasurer for ten years and guiding us wisely and carefully to our current position as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a strong financial future and ever expanding membership. We will always be in his debt. Brian was also an expert birdwatcher and excellent photographer. He and Mimi traveled extensively and his photos on return were wonderful to see, although made us all very envious!
“Perhaps most importantly, Brian was a great friend, a lovely person to be with, full of humour with a passion for beautiful nature and fine malt whisky. We miss him greatly. Thank you, Mimi for sparing so much of him to Langdyke. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Botanist and Langdyke board member Sarah Lambert added: “He had such a verve for life and did so much for Langdyke and wildlife in general – he will be very much missed.”
As well as Langdyke Brian volunteered for the RSPB and was active in many other organisations. He was a regular at Trust work parties for many years.
Langdyke will be considering a fitting tribute to Brian on one of the Langdyke reserves in due course.
Below are some of the wonderful photos taken by Brian:
Photo: Brian Lawrence
Photo: Brian Lawrence