Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
Edwin Gumbly, a long time and very active supporter of the Lickey Hills Society, sadly passed away in January this year. He was a regular member of the Thursday morning walking group and always took the opportunity to use these walks to collect litter. He was an excellent walking companion, sharing opinions, stories and his wonderful sense of humour with anyone in the group. He was a charming and gregarious man whose company on the walks was always a delight.
Edwin had an extensive collection of postcards of the local area and he was a keen and knowledgeable historian. He used these postcards to give presentations to members and friends of the LHS, and to other groups. Topics covered included, the Lickey Hills, Barnt Green, Bournville village, the Cadbury factory, the railway lines from Halesowen to Longbridge and from Barnt Green to Ashchurch via Redditch and Evesham.
To acknowledge Edwin’s work in undertaking these presentations to the Society, he was made a Life Member of the Society, only the fourth member to be recognised in this way since the formation of the Society in 1984.
Edwin also had an extensive knowledge of popular music and only last autumn, he presented a quiz at Barnt Green Social Club where he was a member. For a number of years, Edwin was a member of Barnt Green Parish Council. He was a much loved and respected member of the community and will be missed by so many.
We send condolences to Carole and all members of the family at this most difficult of times. Edwin will truly be missed by all who knew him.
As Edwin would say, “Do your damnedest, be good, have fun”.
Some years ago, member Mr John Murdoch left a generous legacy to the Society. One of the recommendations in the legacy was to use some of the funds to improve walking in the Country Park, especially for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Many of the bridges within the Country Park can be quite slippery when wet. Working with the Rangers, ten bridges have been identified and these will be ‘fitted’ with hard wearing non slip strips. The strips, made of resin bonded material are being screwed to the bridges. The strips, some yellow but mostly buff coloured are currently being attached to the bridges.
The Society has purchased the strips from the Murdoch Legacy at the cost of £2,700. We feel that Mr Murdoch would be pleased that a proportion of his legacy is being used in this way.
Photo shows Ranger Dave and trainee Ranger Inez attaching the strips to one of the bridges.
Thanks so much to everyone who has shown concern about the devastating fires we have had locally. A large area of heathland, one of the rarest habitats in the world was badly burnt. Parts of it may well regenerate from seeds in the ground or roots that were not as badly damaged. We need to wait and see what comes back next year. Please do not plant anything in the area as we need to assess the natural regeneration. It is a delicate habitat so introducing unsuitable species could have a negative effect. Lots of people have been asking what they can do to help so here are a few ideas:
Spread the word that bbqs & fires are not permitted at The Lickey Hills or any parks.
Bring a picnic instead then take your litter home and recycle what you can.
Report bbqs and fires to the ranger duty hub: 0121 675 9686.
Don’t drop litter; even sun reflecting off tin cans or glass bottles can cause fire.
Do not drop cigarette butts on the ground.
Join in local litter picks and volunteer work days.
We will keep you posted about them.
Love your parks!
© 2024 The Lickey Hills Society