Tributes paid to Sheffield bird lover and community stalwart who has died aged 93

Tributes have been paid to a Sheffield bird lover whose expertise and enthusiasm helped save the city’s beloved peregrine falcons.
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Vic Gibson, of St George’s Court near Sheffield city centre, died last month after a long battle with prostate cancer at the age of 93.

Vic was a founding member of the Sheffield Bird Study Group (SBSG) in 1972, and played a major role in its activities until bad health prevented him from doing so in his later years.

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The Sheffield Bird Study Group was instrumental in the identification and protection of the pair of peregrine falcons which currently breed at St George’s Church.

Vic Gibson, who has died aged 93, was a leading light in the Sheffield Bird Study Group.Vic Gibson, who has died aged 93, was a leading light in the Sheffield Bird Study Group.
Vic Gibson, who has died aged 93, was a leading light in the Sheffield Bird Study Group.

Hazel Barton, who had known Vic since 1982 when she joined the SBSG, said his encyclopedic knowledge of ornithology was astonishing.

She said: “Vic set up the group with a few other people to both give people a way of reporting bird sightings and get involved with bird protection.

“As well as the peregrine falcons he also helped protect goshawks in the Peak District and organised trips for local people to see birds all over the UK.

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“This was well before the internet so it was much harder to do something like that then.”

Hazel said the group now has almost 300 members and led the way for the Sheffield branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds which came much later.

As well as being a keen bird watcher, Vic was also a stalwart of the St George’s and Edward Street tenants and residents’ association.

In the 20 years he lived there, he made a significant mark on the area, including securing a grant of £40,000 for a new playground at Edward Street flats.

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St George’s Court resident Peter Butterworth, who knew Vic for just over four years, said his contribution to the area was immense.

“He could be quite reserved at first but once you got to know him he would really open up,” said Peter.

“But he loved the peregrine falcons. He could see them from his flat and could even tell you what they had for breakfast.”

Earlier in life Vic had worked for the National Coal Board and earned two degrees from the University of Sheffield in engineering.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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