Issue 154

Ben Lockwood remembered

12th March 2007

Friends and family of former Swansea student Ben Lockwood came together on Saturday 17 February for a mass litterpick in his memory.

The area being cleared was on a cycle path in his hometown of Cheltenham.

It was carried out in preparation for a bench dedication in his memory, which took place there the day after. On the Sunday, around 50 people gathered for the unveiling of the bench and to exchange their memories of Ben and write messages for him. The weekend marked Ben's birthday.

Ben Lockwood was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Christmas Eve in 2005. He was a much-loved student, known by many on campus for his involvement in campaigns such as Student Action for Refugees, the Peace movement and the Green movement. Known often as 'Gentle Ben' or Baha'i Ben,' he was a strong follower of the Baha'i faith and an active member of Swansea Baha'i group.

Ben was regularly to be found at the front of Fulton House with any one of these groups, promoting any of their causes. It was also just as common to find him there breakdancing, juggling or playing the guitar, none of which he would bat an eyelid at doing for everyone.

He is remembered for his kind heart, friendliness, open-mind and unique approach to life. Ben lived in the moment, whether this was producing a child's miniature guitar from his backpack and singing at parties or inviting passing strangers in from the street to pick apples in his garden on King Edward Road.

Swansea University SU has since introduced The Ben Lockwood Award for Most Active Individual in his memory, which will be available for students to win at this year's society awards.

Laura Male