Former Leader of Lewisham Council and Freeman of the Borough Andy Hawkins has died at the age of 90.
Most remembered for his pioneering work in pursuing equality and building community relations in Lewisham, Andy was a widely respected figure who spent over 30 years serving his local community with great distinction.
During his long political career in Lewisham, Andy held several key positions. He was alderman for six years, Leader of the Council for 13 years – the borough’s longest serving council leader – and a ward councillor for 33 years until his retirement in 1986.
In all these capacities, Andy represented and served the Lewisham community with drive, dedication and, above all, commitment.
Andy arrived in Lewisham from Manchester at the age of 16. After leaving education, he worked in personnel and management training for a major international corporation until his retirement in 1976.
During the Second World War, Andy spent six years in service and was eventually posted to Egypt where he worked alongside the medical corps. On a two-day stopover in Cape Town, South Africa, Andy witnessed the effects of apartheid first hand. This had a profound impact on him – planting the seeds of a life-long commitment to pursuing equality for all.
At a time when building community relations and pursuing equality was not a high priority for many local authorities, Andy worked hard to place Lewisham at the forefront of the equalities agenda.
As Leader of the Council, Andy introduced equality measures that led to the setting up of Lewisham’s Race Relations Committee. This was later followed by the introduction of Lewisham’s Women’s Committee.
It is from his early work that the borough has been able to build its current reputation as a progressive local authority with a strong record on equalities and community engagement.
Under his leadership, the Council achieved the biggest expansion of social service provision ever. Housing schemes flourished, sheltered workshops were developed and leisure facilities were taken to new levels.
In 1990, Andy was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, the highest honour that the Council can bestow. This was in recognition of the unique and lasting contribution he made to the borough and its citizens over five decades.
Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, led tributes in remembrance.
Steve said: "It was with enormous sadness that I heard of Andy's passing - he was a wonderful man and a great public servant. He made Lewisham a better place and I personally owe him a great deal.
“Andy was an inspiration and a huge influence on me from my first days as a councillor in Lewisham.
“We will all miss him so much. Our sympathy goes out to his daughters Alison and Sally."
Tributes also came from Andy’s fellow Freemen of the Borough, Sybil Phoenix MBE, who has worked in community relations in Lewisham for over 40 years and former Civic Mayor Les Eytle.
Sybil said: “Andy was truly committed to justice and equality for all. He wore his humanity on his sleeve and always wanted to listen and help our work in community relations. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.”
Les said: “Andy was a great inspiration to me and he was my mentor when I first entered local politics. He has done much to help make Lewisham the place it is today and his legacy will remain. I will miss him greatly and my thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Up until the time of his passing, Andy remained heavily involved in community issues and still took an active interest in the work of Lewisham Council. He was also a school governor, volunteered at Age Concern and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and regularly officiated Lewisham’s citizenship ceremonies.
It is as a man of the people that Lewisham will remember councillor, leader and friend Andy Hawkins.