Remembering Miss Burrell, who was a village stalwart

A community stalwart who devoted much of her time to village life has died, aged 96.

Margaret Burrell, from Warkworth, passed away on Wednesday, March 14.

She was a true Warkworthian – born in the village in 1921 and living there all her life; first at Castle Street and then The Butts.

Margaret BurrellMargaret Burrell
Margaret Burrell
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Margaret was head girl at Alnwick’s Duchess’s School, before studying teacher training in Darlington.

She taught English – and many excellent life skills – at Red Row, then from 1963 at South Broomhill, and finally from 1981 at Amble’s Coquet High School, serving as Deputy Head at all three.

Margaret was very well known throughout the area, not just as a teacher, but also through her many interests and her support for so many organisations and charities.

She was a founder member of Warkworth Flower Club, which is still going after 51 years.

Margaret BurrellMargaret Burrell
Margaret Burrell
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Margaret chaired the village Youth Club many years ago, served on the Care Committee, was Brown Owl for Warkworth Brownies and served as District Commissioner, and was an active member of the Women’s Institute. The list could go on.

Warkworth Show was a lifelong passion as Margaret followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.

She served from 1950 until the time of her death on the show’s industrial committee, which she chaired from 1963 to 1993.

Her grandfather had been involved in the show from its earliest years and her father chaired the show committee between 1937 and 1960.

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He ran a plant nursery in the gardens behind The Butts and was an expert grower of gladioli. Margaret’s love of flowers was instilled at an early age.

Margaret was baptised in the Presbyterian Church (now the URC) on The Butts, just a few yards from her home and she remained a faithful member all her life.

She was a great organiser and she was a true expert in the art of delegation.

She organised and designed flower festivals in the church and her beautiful flower arrangements which graced the Communion table gave great pleasure. She always maintained that her favourite arrangements were green and white.

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Her church was of great importance to Margaret – church life, church community and activities – and it is perhaps where she will be most missed.

Chairman of Warkworth Parish Council, Coun Jeff Watson, paid his respects. He said: “She was very well known and respected. She was held in high regard by a lot of people and she will be a big miss.”