Betty Taylor
A 'TRUE Mirfield lass' who was one of the founders of Mirfield Show has died. Betty Taylor, 71, who resurrected the show with others 15 years ago, passed away last week.
She was born in Calder Road in Lower Hopton in 1938, and was confirmed at St Paul's Church, Eastthorpe, the church she attended all her life.
She married late husband Brian on October 22, 1960, at the church, and the couple had two children, Julie in 1963 and Robert in 1971. They family lived together on the newly built West Royd estate.
A talented chef, Betty worked as a cook, a domestic science teacher, and ran her own shop, West Riding Fine Foods.
Daughter Julie Dedman said: "Mum was a true Mirfield lass, a doer, and a jolly good baker. Home was always a busy place with people coming and going and all sorts of things happening. Mum and dad had a busy, productive life, finding themselves at the heart of everything that went on in their community.
"West Riding Fine Foods quickly became a success and mum's fine baking meant that she couldn't make it fast enough. You had to get there early to not miss out on the almond slices."
Betty sold the business and retired, but she continued to cater for Julie's business.
Julie said: "Mum was devastated at the loss of my dad 18 years ago, and she became involved in fundraising for the British Heart Foundation. She also became more involved in things in the town, especially Mirfield Show, and for a number of years she was chairwoman of the committee. She was a judge at local shows and did numerous cookery demonstrations.
"She and dad were founder members of Mirfield Young Conservatives, and mum served as Mayor of Mirfield.
"She had a blood disorder which developed into leukaemia, which she very bravely fought for seven years.
"Later in life she started to play bridge, and she last played five weeks ago despite her failing health.
"She was saddened to read in the Reporter of the concerns about Mirfield Show's future. She would be very disappointed to hear the show had to stop and it was her lasting thought that 'the show must go on'. Her wish is to have a cup at the Mirfield Show for domestic classes in her memory."
Paying tribute to Betty at Tuesday's Mirfield Town Council meeting, Coun Keith Sibbald said: "Betty was a stalwart, not only for the town council but for the community, voluntary organisations and Mirfield Show. She is a woman who will be very sadly missed."
Betty leaves daughter Julie, son Robert, and grandson James and son-in-law Simon.
By: Lauren Chadwick
Source: Mirfield Reporter
Date: 11 March 2010
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