Lord Judd dies at 86: Tributes paid to 'a champion of the Lake District'

Lord Judd, who lived in the Lorton Valley, was a former director of Oxfam and had an abiding and lifelong interest in international development. He was also a keen supporter of Friends of the Lake District.

He served as the group’s president between 2005 and 2012.

Speaking this week, Sir Tony recalled how he had been a young man working in Africa with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) when he first met Lord Judd, at that time the organisation’s leader. “He was an inspiration to a lot of people,” said Sir Tony.

“The first time I met him I was on the island of Zanzibar while I was doing my two years of VSO and he was the organisation’s director. He was always passionate about all things international.

“He always also cared deeply about those issues – and he remained active right to the end.”

A lifelong campaigner for social justice, Lord Judd devoted much of his life to achieving it and remained an active supporter of the Labour Party. Despite his advanced years, he also worked alongside former Workington MP Sue Hayman when she was campaigning to be elected.

Sir Tony said: “He was passionate about the things he cared about – and loved the area where he lived at Thackthwaite in the Lorton Valley and was very much involved in Friends of the Lake District.”

Douglas Chalmers, chief executive at Friends of the Lake District said: “Everyone connected with Friends of the Lake District was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lord Judd. Frank Judd was a tireless campaigner on behalf of the Lake District’s landscapes, served as our president and was one of our patrons for many years.

“He was a wholehearted supporter of our work in many places and in many ways. He will be sorely missed. We send our deepest condolences to Frank’s wife Chris and his family.”

During his political career, Lord Judd worked for two Prime Ministers – Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan.

In his Portsmouth constituency – the seat he represented as MP between 1966 and 1978 – people still people fondly of him, said Sir Tony, who remarked on how, despite working at such an elevated level, Lord Judd was down-to-earth.

“He was a very humble man,” he said. “There were no airs and graces. I remember him turning up for election campaigns and he was keen to get involved, knocking on doors and doing what he could. Even in later years, when he was struggling to walk, you’d see him and he’d wave his crutches to people in greeting. He was a superb human being.”

Lord Judd was also an enthusiastic supporter of effort to win World Heritage status for the LDNP.

He was also dedicated to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

This week Hospice at Home West Cumbria joined in the tributes to the man who was their vice president.

“On behalf of all at Hospice at Home West Cumbria, we would like to express our deep sadness at the announcement of the passing of our Vice President, and former president, Lord Judd of Portsea. Lord Judd was a great supporter of our charity and always had kind and encouraging words for our staff and volunteers. He once said ‘We are one terrific team: what a joy it is for me to be part of it’.”

“Having been inspired by his time as President, Lord Judd was keen to remain involved as Vice President of Hospice at Home West Cumbria. He articulated why Hospice was so close to his heart.

Lord Judd of Portsea“The majority of people want to finish their lives in the familiar surroundings of their homes with their loved ones and family around them. Hospice at Home West Cumbria, with sensitive professionals and volunteers working together, provides the support to make this possible. The family and bereavement support team answer the challenging call to look to the support and well-being of the bereaved. It is one of the key aspects of our work.

One of the most wonderful realities about Hospice at Home is that it really does “belong” to a wide cross section of the community of West Cumbria. The spirit and commitment of staff and volunteers alike is precious and the patients and their families are central to it all. We are one terrific team: what a joy it is for me to be part of it.”

Our President, Dr Brian Herd paid tribute:

“I first approached Frank in 2008, to ask if he would introduce an event celebrating the 21st anniversary of Hospice at Home West Cumbria. He had not been aware of Hospice at Home previously. He asked many questions and read the book Hospice Without Walls which chronicles the very beginnings of Hospice at Home West Cumbria. He then enthusiastically agreed. He gave a vigorous, stimulating speech at the meeting. Thereafter became one of our most energetic and enthusiastic supporters, as too did his wife Chris. The ideals and aspirations of the Hospice at Home chimed in so well with their values and priorities.

Subsequently, when the Dowager Lady Egremont, our first President, stood down, we were delighted to welcome Lord Judd in her place. Frank will be sorely missed. Our kindest thoughts go to Chris and their family at this time of great loss.

There is a quote from Wordsworth that seems apt – ‘the best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.’”

Our Vice President, Dr Rob Walker also paid this tribute:

Rob Walker

“I first met Lord Judd when I became Chair of the Trustees of Hospice at Home West Cumbria. It was apparent that he was an enthusiastic supporter of the model of delivering end of life care at home, and in fact when he spoke in debates in the House of Lords he always mentioned West Cumbria as an example.

I soon appreciated his wide experience of both politics and the charity sector and he rapidly became a friend and mentor. Our meetings on Saturday mornings at his cottage in Thackthwaite (including delicious biscuits and cake cooked by his wife Chris) were something I always enjoyed.

I shall miss his passion and wisdom”

It was an honour to have Lord Judd as part of our Hospice team and he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his wife Christine, and all their family.