After my father, Hugh Lidstone, the founder of the LFHS, retired, discovering the history of the Lidstones became a burning ambition.  He spent countless days, weeks, hours researching the name, writing notes and preparing index cards.  However, it eventually it became obvious that the scale of the task was overwhelming, and along came Ann.  A local historian, married to a Lidstone, it was a match made in heaven.

The two of them held regular meetings, delving into old records and slowly piecing together the various branches of the Lidstones, and eventually forming the LFHS.  My father may have been the root, but Ann became the tree with its many branches.  If it wasn't for Ann, the LFHS would not have grown.

Hundreds of you reading this dedication owe Ann an enormous debt for maintaining all the records, building the archives, and for never failing to answer all your requests for information.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to attend one or both of the LFHS Reunions, especially the one in the marquee at Ledstone Farm, may recall how modestly Ann and Peter (her late husband) remained quietly in the background in spite of having been responsible for the entire organisation.  So typical of their natures.

My family and I spent two Christmases with Ann at Ledstone (we got snowed in once!) where Ann was like an extra Grandmother, always making sure we were comfortable and happy.

Ann was a home-grown Devon girl, lovely to look at, wicked sense of humour, tireless worker, and one of those people you just know you can trust.  I don't think she ever craved for wealth or status, she was content and happy in her own skin.  Ann gave and never expected anything in return, a rare attitude in these times.  She will obviously be greatly missed by her family, local friends and neighbours, but part of her legacy is that there will be a very large number of people all over the world who will mourn her passing.

Thanks for being you Ann, RIP