Nova and Bill Somerville, Albert Lester, Winnie Carter and Annie Cossey

In the last six months (autumn 2002) the village has lost a number of people well known to many residents. It is impossible to mention everyone. These represent all whom we remember with pride and affection. Editor

Nova and Bill Somerville both died suddenly, within 3 weeks of each other last Spring, robbing Christ Church, Yatton House and the whole community of two dedicated workers and motivators. They came to Ayton in 1955 with their two daughters, and celebrated their Golden Wedding in 1999. Many activities which they were instrumental in founding in the village still thrive. Their love of each other, of life, and of the people they lived among, especially the handicapped, was legendary and will long be remembered.

Albert Lester was also a mainstay of Christ Church’s lay team, with family roots in Stokesley over several generations, moving to Ayton in 1976. He loved meeting people and getting to know them, in whatever sphere he met them, be it work, Church, amateur dramatics, as Santa Claus, guiding at All Saints, out walking, or gardening on his allotment. He was also a devoted family man, very proud of his son and daughter and his grandchildren, and died just before he and his wife celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Everyone knew him affectionately as “Albert” and took pride in knowing him.

Winnie Carter was a Centenarian when she died recently. She lived all her life in the farm where she was born, belonging to the locally famous Cumbor family, the youngest of 10. She was a fiercely independent lady, taking over the family farm when her mother died in 1950, with her elder sister who died in 1961, and Claude Carter, whom she had known for years. They married in the 60s but, sadly, he died in 1978. Mrs Carter cherished memories of her parents, and was proud of being related to George Stephenson, of the railways.

Annie Cossey also an Aytonian of several generations’ standing, was well known because her jobs all kept her in close touch with the public: 10 years the caretaker and dispenser at the High Green surgery; 25 years a school dinner lady; 23 years a relief post lady, until she was 70. She was certainly well known to those who attended Parish Council meetings because she always had points to bring up and stood her ground on them! She rode around the village on her bike, cheerful as ever, until 3 weeks before she died at 84.