Tributes paid to a much loved Bridge Community Farms volunteer

Tributes are pouring in for a well-loved Bridge Community Farms volunteer who died last month.

Lizzie Bruce, 69, from Rossett, had worked for the Ellesmere Port based charity which grows vegetables, salads and fruit using organic methods and delivers them weekly to their customers since it was established six years ago.

She ran the weekly market stall in Chester for Bridge Community Farms and also helped to deliver the charity’s popular vegetable boxes across Cheshire and Wirral.

Lizzie also organised their annual sponsored walk with the Chester Business Club every September.

She died suddenly but peacefully in hospital last month, and is survived by her husband Nigel, daughter Pippa and two grandsons, Freddie and Jack.

Francis Ball, founder of Bridge Community Farms, said: “I've known Lizzie and her husband Nigel for over 30 years and they are both two of the most convivial and generous people you could possibly meet. It is no surprise that there is such an avalanche of mail and messages of condolence at Lizzie's sudden, shocking death.

“Lizzie was a wonderful volunteer who worked with Bridge Community Farms and Bridge Community Wellness Gardens for us since we were established six years ago.

“She ran the weekly market stall for us in The Countess right up until the pandemic hit and she also delivered our vegetable boxes when needed, although she really hated driving! 

“She was wonderful on the market stalls in Chester Market Square, regularly signing up new vegetable box customers. She even pulled on her wellies and got stuck into growing and cultivation on the farm. 

“Lizzie was basically prepared to muck in wherever she was needed.  She loved young people and they always responded very well to her – perhaps because they warmed to her somewhat rebellious and unconventional nature! The whole team will miss her greatly.”

Bridge Community Farms will be honouring Lizzie’s memory with an oak bench and memorial plaque in their orchard.

Nigel Bruce and his daughter Pippa are giving all donations in memory of Lizzie to Bridge Community Wellness Gardens. Donations can be made via their Total Giving donation page:

https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/bridge-community-wellness-gardens

https://bwgardens.co.uk/

Pictured - Lizzie Bruce with her daughter Pippa.