It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the recent passing of Councillor Lewis Strange our friend and fellow colleague. He was a very humble and kind gentleman, a local farmer and a true advocate of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Lewis was actively involved with the Lincolnshire Wolds Joint Advisory Committee for many years, including serving as Chairman for two consecutive terms from 2012 to 2016. He fought for this special place, and championed its national importance as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), not only via his many council duties (with both Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council) and his work on the committee, but also in his tireless support and guidance to the countless local landowners, businesses and residents across the Wolds.
A regular at the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, he always loved getting out and about walking, listening to the local experts and community on the different aspects of history, geology and nature, and of course partaking of tea and cake wherever possible if it helped to support a good cause. Lewis was also very active in the areas of access and recreation and was closely engaged in the wider work of the Local Access Forum and LCC's Rights of Way Group.
His balanced enquiries, passionate discussions and thoughtful suggestions helped create, enhance and improve many aspects of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. From grants schemes to environmental stewardship, from undergrounding powerlines to the creation of publications, his enthusiasm for the countryside and the people who live and work here, along with visitors to the area, will be sorely missed by all in the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and across the AONB partnerships, local and national. We extend our deepest sympathies to Lewis's children, wider family and friends.
