Obituary: Mary Whittell

Jun 16 2009 By Huddersfield Examiner

She had joined Huddersfield Arts Society as a young woman and took on the role of secretary from 1949 to 1957.

She later became vice-president and then had the honour of serving as president.

She was also a staunch worker and supporter of St Cuthbert’s Church, Birkby, where she worshipped well into her 90s.

She was a churchwarden and was also a key figure in the church’s arts group, the St Cuthbert’s Players.

The group put on three plays each year over a 21-year period and Miss Whittell had roles as varied as producer, costume maker and director. She also organised theatre trips and discussion groups.

In her 80s and 90s, she loved to travel. She travelled all over Europe and to Jerusalem and put together slide shows and talks for local groups.

Two years ago, she also had a role in the TV documentary The Way We Were, talking about the village of Kirkheaton.

A funeral service was held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Birkby.