A DALES woman deeply ingrained in the local community has died following a short illness.

Philippa Anne Orde-Powlett, 64, better known as Lady Bolton, or simply Pip, from Wensley, near Leyburn, was a keen gardener and avid supporter of events in the local area, including the Dales Festival of Food and Drink.

Lord and Lady Bolton regularly opened their gardens at Bolton Hall in Wensley to the public, although this year’s opening has been cancelled.

Mrs Orde-Powlett had also been a supporter of tramp Mel Bird who was a fixture of Leyburn Market Place in the early 2000s - prompting headlines about the unlikely alliance between the lady and the tramp - before Mr Bird’s actions caused him to fall out of favour with Lady Bolton.

She was an organiser of the Wensley Flower Show at Holy Trinity Church Wensley - a two-day festival featuring displays of flowers that represent many diverse musical tastes and has included the opera La Boheme, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Elvis themed displays.

Gerald Hodgson, an organiser of the Dales Festival of Food and Drink, said he was deeply shocked to hear of the death of Lady Bolton, who had been a supporter of the event from its early days.

He said: “Each year at the festival she hosted a lunch for the speakers and other guests. I know all our guests really appreciated the warm and friendly way she looked after them.

“She was a keen supporter of the festival and was a well known, friendly member of the local community. My deep condolences go to her family.”

Lady Bolton was a much loved wife, mother and grandmother. A private family cremation service will be followed by a service of celebration and thanksgiving for her life at Holy Trinity Church Wensley, on Thursday, May 26 at 2pm.

Family flowers only, donations if desired will go to the repair of Wensley Church Organ and may be sent to Sanderson & Co Funeral Directors, Leyburn Business Park, Harmby Road, Leyburn, DL8 5QA. For further details, telephone 01969-623143.