Community-minded Daleswoman Shelagh Thomlinson dies aged 90

Shelagh Thomlinson and her husband, Dr Hugh Thomlinson, bought Staney Gill in Gunnerside in 1986, as a second home.

He was a well known research scientist in the field of radiation biology, and a Himalayan mountaineer.

After his death in 1989 Shelagh spent more and more time in Gunnerside, and was a most active member of the community.

The Thomlinson Trust was set up in Hugh’s memory, and it helps to fund educational, training and leisure activities in the parishes of Melbecks and Muker in Swaledale.

It has supported nursery schools, after school and youth clubs, and in particular Gunnerside School, where Shelagh was a volunteer teacher.

Other projects supported include repair of the chapel boiler, a clavinova digital piano for the village hall and a community lawnmower.

Twenty five students have been helped with the costs of university education, and many others with music and swimming lessons.

The opening of the Life Affirming Lockdown Garden went ahead as a memorial to Shelagh's life

All these projects were dear to Shelagh’s heart.

She loved music, and began a small group in her home, singing round the grand piano.

Thus began the Swale Singers, who soon grew to a choir of over 40 from the length of Swaledale, and now perform major works at the annual Swaledale Festival.

She had just one rule 'singing must be fun' - and it was, with members saying that rehearsals in her home were so much more pleasant than a church hall.

During the lockdown Shelagh created a new garden, the Life Affirming Lockdown Garden.

She invited friends from the village and beyond to donate plants, and planned a grand opening on the day after lockdown ended, on July 21.

Sadly she died, peacefully and suddenly aged 90 at home on July 6 with friends beside her.

But the garden opening still went ahead, as a memorial to her life.

Many friends gathered to raise a glass and remember a woman who had given so much to the benefit of the village of Gunnerside.