A LIFELONG and much respected member of the Yelverton community, who was involved with many local voluntary organisations over many years, has died.

Winnie Thomas, aged 88, formerly lived at Binkham Hill, Yelverton, before going to live with her nephew Ernest Lethbridge and his wife, for the last few years in Ivybridge, South Devon, where she died on April 13.

Mr Lethbridge said: 'On one of the cards I received someone had written that "a part of Yelverton had died when Winnie died."

'She was an extraordinary lady. A chapter of Yelverton has died with her.'

Winnie was born and bred in the village, where she lived for more than 75 years.  

She was described by those who knew hear as 'a true stalwart of the Yelverton community.'

At 21, Winnie was posted as a cook at the Army School of Welfare on Salisbury Plain.

Throughout her working life, Winnie cooked at various places including Tavyside School in Tavistock, Rockleaze home for the disabled in Dousland, Beechfield Nursing Home.

After the death of her husband, and childhood sweetheart, Thomas, in 1982, she worked at the Red House Nursing Home, Yelverton, until she retired in 1992.

Winnie joined the Yelverton Royal British Legion in July, 1946. She was a poppy seller for more than 50 years and went on to become the secretary of the branch.

Her phenomenal fundraising for the Poppy Appeal earned her a prestigious RBL Wilkinson Tray award for meritorious service.

Winnie was also a founder member of the Yelverton WI, an organisation she belonged to for more than half a century, as well as a Devon representative of the WI for many years.

She was very active for many years with the Women's Royal Volunteer Service, serving teas at Tavistock Hospital. Winnie was also a church stalwart at St Paul's Church, Yelverton, took an active role with the local drama society and participated in numerous community activities.

Her funeral service will be held at St Paul's Church, Yelverton at 2pm on Wednesday, April 28 and she will be cremated at Weston Mill, Plymouth at 3pm.  Standard bearers of the WI and the Royal British Legion will be present as a guard of honour at the funeral service in Yelverton.   

From 2.45pm that day, an exhibition will be held at the Rock Hotel, Yelverton recording her numerous achievements.