Bolton: Tributes paid to Bolton Newt's Simon Gilkes

Simon Gilkes passed away on Thursday June 30.

He was chairman of Bolton NEWT and a driving force behind the community group being awarded an MBE for voluntary service.

Bolton NEWT co-founder Chris Banks said: "He gave so much of himself for others, yet he never sought recognition for the tens-of-thousands of hours he gave to Bolton over the years."

Simon and Chris

Chris added: “Simon was a dearly beloved friend, uncle and brother. The legacy he leaves behind is one of a better world for others.”

A wildlife lover and avid amateur wildlife photographer, many of his photographs appeared in the Bolton News over the years. He also enjoyed sharing his work through the platform Bolton NEWT created.

Chris said: “NEWT’s daily photography was almost always Simon’s photography. It brought a lot of enjoyment for Simon and the countless thousands of people who saw and engage with them.”

An example of Simon's photography

A colleague at Bolton NEWT, and Breightmet councillor Adele Warren said: “He gave so much to the community of Breightmet.

“He has been involved with and was a chairman of a group that gets very little recognition in Bolton, especially within the council and voluntary organisations that work in Bolton, but his work and the group has received an MBE for voluntary service because of the work that has been done in Breightmet."

Cllr Stuart Hartigan, also a Bolton Newt volunteer and councillor for Breightmet, said: "Simon was a true friend.

Simon, Cllr Adele Warren and Cllr Stuart Hartigan

“Simon was a dependable rock of a guy, always able to rely on him. We put in some gruelling conservation work. I made up for the moaning Simon didn’t do.

“Simon was very ill, but he largely kept this to himself, he got on with the job and didn’t complain.

“When I see the orchards grow, the daffodils, the ponds, the wildflowers, the paths we dug out, I will think of him.

“Simon may be gone early, he won’t be able to take up his invite to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Award, but he’s made a positive change and this change will live on for many years."

Jasmine Renold, friend and Bolton NEWT member, said: "We shared many innermost thoughts with each other on the multitude of walks we went on.

“Simon really opened up the local area we lived, and I discovered wonders around Bolton that I never knew existed.

“Simon was so generous with his time and his experience, and I loved him dearly. His contributions to Bolton and to our group will live on in all the people who benefited from his generosity."