A MEMORIAL bench has been installed at women’s refuge as a tribute to a long-serving volunteer who was passionate about helping others.

Alma Gale, from Tow Law, volunteered at Wear Valley Women’s Aid in Bishop Auckland for more than 15 years, helping with everything from fundraising to supporting the women who seek refuge there.

Friendly, down-to-earth and never short of a joke or two, she was popular with the women, who often confided in her. Fellow volunteers and staff also loved her, valuing her skills, enthusiasm and, most importantly, her friendship.

Mrs Gale’s death on January 20, due to a cardiovascular illness, shocked and saddened the refuge team and when her husband, Jeff, suggested placing a memorial bench in the refuge’s garden, they were more than happy to accommodate it.

Alison Hope, joint manager at the charity along with Paula Carling and Ruth Dawson, said: “Alma related so well to the women here. They found her easy to talk to and she supported them.The bench is a fitting tribute to Alma because she was so passionate about the refuge. It will be really nice for us to have a place where we can sit and remember her.”

Mrs Gale was born in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, but moved to the Tow Law area after she married Mr Gale.

The couple met in the Surtees pub in the town in the late 1970s when Mrs Gale was competing in a darts league. She regularly played competitions in the pub and when her car broke down after a match, Mr Gale came to her rescue. Romance blossomed and the couple got married at Bishop Auckland Registry Office in 1980.

They originally settled in Crook but later moved to Mr Gale’s hometown of Tow Law. Mr Gale, who is a member of Tow Law Town Council, was a bricklayer, while Mrs Gale worked in retail, mainly in DIY stores and builders’ merchants where she became responsible for staff training. In the 1990s, the couple took over an off-licence in Tow Law, which they expanded to include a snack bar.

As well as volunteering at the refuge, Mrs Gale served as a magistrate and helped young people recovering from addiction.

“She always wanted to help other people,” said Mr Gale. “She was a real character. You always knew when she entered the room, everyone always wanted to talk to her because she was so friendly.”

Mrs Gale had two children, Lindsay and David, she also leaves behind two grandchildren, Connah and Declan.

At her funeral last month more than £300 was collected for Wear Valley Women’s Aid. A further £500 was raised at a charity night in Wolsingham organised by Councillor Anita Savory in Mrs Gale’s memory.