Big turn out expected for Herefordshire trucker’s funeral

Tony 'Sandman' Lewis died peacefully at his home in Peterchurch on February 20. 

His funeral will be at the village's St Peter's Church at 11am this Saturday (March 16).

Originally from Preston on Wye, Mr Lewis' passion for machinery and trucks was sparked at an early age, while he was delivering bread to surrounding villages with his father in a Dodge WC54 ambulance. Many locals will remember this parked at the front of Albion Garage by St Peter’s Church.

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After his National Service, Tony settled in Peterchurch with his wife, Gill. He went on to assemble a motley but fabulous crew of drivers, who over the next 40 years delivered to every corner of Herefordshire and the surrounding counties.

The sound of the lorries leaving the yard and heading to Gore Quarry at Kington would be heard at 6am Monday to Friday.

Mr Lewis' daughter, Jayne Hawkes said her dad adored all the drivers, and many of them remain great friends to this day.

He also enjoyed motorcross and collecting machines, including a Scammell Explorer, ‘bargain' old Range Rovers and many generators.

Paying tribute to her day, Ms Hawkes said: "One of the last true ‘locals’, he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends."

Parking for Mr Lewis' funeral is available at Peterchurch Primary  School, the Day Care Centre in Closure Place and The Old Forge Industrial Estate (near the fire station) in the village.

People are advised not to park near the church as this could cause gridlock issues.