By ROBERT GIBSON

Last updated 13:36, Thursday, 07 August 2008

A FORMER cattle judge who was renowned throughout Tynedale’s farming community has died, aged 91.

Ida Mary Lauder’s talents helped the English team secure first place at an international stock judging competition in 1936.

Although she gave up judging many years ago, she maintained an interest in agriculture, and remained an influential figure in local farming circles.

She died last month in Hexham General Hospital after a fall. Her funeral was held at Ponteland Methodist Church.

Ida was born on November 10, 1916, at North Clarewood, Great Whittington.

Her parents, William and Sarah Longlands, both came from strong farming backgrounds, and from an early age Ida was keen to get involved in agriculture.

She got her first taste of cattle judging as a member of Great Whittington Young Farmers’ Club, and quickly became recognised for her exceptional abilities.

In 1935, she was the highest individual scorer in the eliminating trials at the Young Farmers’ Club cow-judging competition at the London Dairy Show.

The following year, she was selected for the England team, which won first prize at the International Dairy Cow Judging Competition at the Royal Show in Bristol.

One newspaper headline stated at time: ‘England Team Drawn from North East: GIRL INCLUDED’. The associated story was filled with admiration for the “tall and fair Miss Longlands”.

Ida was also a talented accordion player, and used her musical ability to entertain the troops during World War Two.

A devout Methodist, she likewise played the church organ in chapels around Tynedale.

Ida married Leslie Lauder, a trainee stocksman in 1949, but was widowed only three years later. She never remarried.

She leaves behind her son Nigel, her sister Belle, and her daughter-in-law Lynda. According to her wishes, she was buried beside her husband at Corbridge Cemetery.

“Ida had lots of friends and remained strong and determined, even in her later years,” said Nigel.

“She never lost her smile or the ability to make people laugh.

“She always loved farming and everything to do with it and had a big influence on a lot of people in the farming community.”