A BENCH dedicated to a valued member of the community has been unveiled in a Teesdale village.
Whorlton Village Community Association decided to replace a popular but old bench with a new one that would be dedicated to Kathleen Tallentire, who died in January 2019 aged 78 following a year long fight against cancer.
Mrs Tallentire and her husband, Wilf, made the short journey to live in the village after retiring from farming at East Shaws, Westwick, in 2002, and she soon became a tireless supporter of village events and a prominent member of the community.
Following her death, Mr Tallentire would regularly sit on the old bench, which was just a short walk from his home in the village. As a result, the community association decided to purchase “A bench for Wilf” .
“Kathleen was always involved with the Whorlton Village Community Association and with the village as a whole,” said villager Mary Stastny.
“The committee wanted to show their gratitude to a lady who truly understood the importance of community, service and love for her neighbours.
“The bench is a thank you from us all and it’s in remembrance of what a lovely person she was.”
Mrs Tallentire is survived by her husband, five children and 14 grandchildren.
Family members joined Mrs Stastny, her husband George, Ann Foster, Linda Alderson and Jane and Fred Robineau, who all represented the association at an unveiling on Sunday, January 26, outside Whorlton Village Hall.
The bench features a plaque which states: “In memory of our dear friend Kathleen Tallentire who contributed greatly to village life 1940-2019.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Philip Tallentire said: “The bench recognising mam’s contribution to village life is a wonderful gesture from the association. It’s a real comfort to know she meant so much to so many people in Whorlton.”
