A new countryside award in memory of the late Bob Edney was launched recently at Fort Victoria Country Park.
Bob Edney worked as a countryside officer for the Isle of Wight Council for more than 39 years before he died in 2020, just before lockdown.
Bob’s life and work were celebrated
Over 50 people attended a gathering of family, friends and colleagues at Fort Victoria Country Park, one of the many locations that Bob looked after for so long.
Tributes were paid as Bob’s life and work were celebrated and a new award named in his memory was announced.
Joining Bob’s family and colleagues were current and former councillors, charity workers, contractors and volunteers.
Bob Edney Countryside Conservation Award
The Bob Edney Countryside Conservation Award is a new annual award, supported by the Isle of Wight Council, to reward an individual or organisation making a contribution to conserving and enhancing the Isle of Wight’s countryside.
The award winner will receive £1,000, and nominations are open now, until 30th November (enter here).
The award is to celebrate an individual or organisation that can show a positive lasting impact on the management and enhancement of the countryside on the Isle of Wight – just as Bob Edney spent his life doing.
Chatfield: A friendly, trustworthy face of the council
Former council countryside manager Matthew Chatfield worked with Bob for over 17 years.
Matthew said,
“The Island’s countryside is a better, more enjoyable place for us all because of Bob’s work.
“For someone who was very private, he had an exceptional ability to get on with people.
“So many individuals, landowners, parish councils, charities, companies, and more have had help, advice and support from Bob for so long.
“He was the friendly, trustworthy face of the council to so many people, and that is perhaps the aspect of his work that will be missed the most.
“This award is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life helping others working to conserve and enhance the beautiful landscapes of the Island.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Friends and colleagues of the late Bob Edney at Fort Victoria Country Park on 29 September 2021
