I sadly have to inform you that Andy Lewis died at the end of last week from a fall in his home. We are all devastated at the loss of our friend, who was such an active and illustrious member of the Party. Andy’s journalism skills were invaluable in composing Labour press releases and election leaflets for Parliamentary, District and Town elections. He was an active campaigner and held the roles of West Somerset Branch Secretary and Treasurer at Constituency and Branch level for many years.He was also a Minehead Town Councillor for the Alcombe ward for the past three years.His bravery, energy, good humour and friendship will be very much missed by many across the constituency. We send our sympathy to his family and inform those wishing to attend that his funeral will be held on Monday 23rd April at noon at Taunton Deane Crematorium
Andy was born in Nottingham , attended Nottingham University, and spent most of his working life as a journalist at the BBC, including the role of Senior Editor of the news team at BBC Radio 4.
Labour Activist
Andy and his wife, Barbra, moved to West Somerset with their three children in the late 1990s. Following the death of his wife and his subsequent early retirement, Andy became actively involved in local life. He volunteered for the West Somerset Advice Bureau for many years along with a shorter stint at the Sedgemoor Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
As well as his Labour activities, which included the writing of many letters and features to the West Somerset Free Press, Andy was an active members of Amnesty International, the West Somerset LETS organisation, a regular quizzer with the Roadwater team, the Valiant Nomads, who under his captainship won many contests.
Sadly Missed
He also volunteered for West Somerset Engage, a furniture recycling project and Taunton Oxfam, where Andy was able to combine his love of books with volunteer work.
Andy was a long term supporter of Arsenal, was an avid reader, writer and enjoyed jazz and blues music in particular.
Andy was a strong supporter of the Somerset Labour Web and our most regular contributor over the years writing many features that were taken up regionally and nationally by the press.
He leaves a lasting legacy and will be very sadly missed by many.
Hello,
I am a former colleague of Andy Lewis and we would be very keen to know about the funeral arrangements when they are known. If you let me know on the email below I will pass them on to his many former colleagues who have been shocked by his passing.
Thank you for all you did in life. RIP
What a terrible shock and grievous loss this is. Andy’s loss will be very hard to come to terms with in the party and the West Somerset community. Along with his many other contributions to the community, Andy was a very welcome addition to Somerset’s Advice Services social policy group and we missed him very much when he moved on. Somerset has lost an effective, steadfast campaigner for justice; a hard-working, highly principled comrade with a wonderful dry sense of humour. Deepest sympathies to his family and many close friends.