In 2021 the LEBRF was left a bequest of £120,000 in the will of Phil Lucas HLM. He was the last member of the Lucas family of Trowbridge, all four of whom were HLM’s of the SDGR. They were staunch supporters of towers in the Trowbridge area, and ringing in the Devizes Branch.
Jack rang at Trowbridge, and was steeple-keeper there; Eileen regularly cycled to Hilperton for Sunday service ringing. Gill rang at Trowbridge, where she was correspondent, and many other towers and Phil at Holt.
Phil learnt to ring around 1964, being taught by his father, and became a member of the Guild in 1969. He rang at Trowbridge, where he was correspondent between 1971 and 1973, until 1974 when he joined Holt. He rang his first peal there in November 1975 conducted by Richard Humphries (Grandsire Doubles for the patronal festival) and since then at least another 99 peals, the majority within the Branch and almost all for the Salisbury Guild as well as many quarters. Venues for these ranged from Yorkshire to Australia and he had rung at all the towers in Australia and New Zealand until four new towers were created in more recent times.
Phil was Branch Secretary 1981-82 and Ringing Master 1985-86 and 1991 to 1998 and organised the towers for Branch Outings for a good few years. He was Tower Correspondent for Holt since 1991.
In recognition of the contribution made by the whole family and the generosity of the legacy the Trustees felt that in order that the bequest should commemorate the entire family, it will be known at the Lucas Family Legacy.
Anne Willis
