TRIBUTES have been paid to Ledbury Civic Society former chairman, Chris Johnson, who has died at the age of 66.

Mr Johnson retired early from a city law firm in order to work in forestry, and moved with his young family to Ledbury in 1998, attracted by the strong sense of community.

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TRIBUTES have been paid to Ledbury Civic Society former chair, Chris Johnson, who has died at the age of 66.

Mr Johnson retired early from a city law firm in order to work in forestry, and moved with his young family to Ledbury in 1998, attracted by the strong sense of community.

While overseeing the restoration of the derelict Upper Hall, he re-qualified as a chartered forester, and went on to manage woodlands owned by private estates.

Councillor Phillip Howells, mayor of Ledbury, said: “No one could be more committed than Chris Johnson, not only typically in a leadership role but also in his willingness to give freely of his time and to help in any way in which he could contribute.

“His legacy will be an example for us all.

“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family.”

Under his watch as chair of the Ledbury and District Civic Society, he prevented the closure of the Heritage Centre by the then owners, Herefordshire Council, negotiating a management transfer of the building to the civic society, and subsequently facilitated the ownership transfer to Ledbury Places.

He was involved with other organisations included Ledbury Places, the Ledbury Poetry Festival, the Ledbury & Strömstad Twinning Association and he was the secretary to the Herefordshire Division of the Royal Forestry Society.

“Our thoughts are with his whole family at this time.”

Nick Smith, Royal Forestry Society Herefordshire divisional chairman, said: “We are all very deeply saddened at the loss of Chris Johnson.

“He was there to listen to you and his patience and wise counsel was warmly welcomed with a little mischievous smile always.”

Mr Johnson is survived by his wife and two sons.