A WELL-KNOWN community figure in Hexham has died aged 91.

Marjorie Dallison, who was a steward and leading light at Hexham Abbey, died on January 19.

Born in Blaydon in March 1925, Marjorie spent most of her childhood in Ryton, and attended Hookergate Secondary School in nearby High Spen.

Her studies took her to the University of Leeds where she graduated in 1946, having studied English Language and Literature and then a Diploma in Education.

A year later, she was appointed assistant English mistress at Peterborough County Grammar School for girls and went on to become head of department.

She married her husband, Colin, in 1967 and the couple went on to have two daughters, Jenny and Clare.

The family lived in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, until 1974, when they relocated to Hexham.

The return to the Tyne Valley saw Marjorie and Colin, a well-known local historian, become immersed in community life.

Both became active members of Hexham Civic Society and during the 1970s and 80s, Marjorie was chairman of Hexham Local History Society.

In 1994, Marjorie became a trustee of the newly-formed Friends of St Oswald’s Church in Heavenfield.

Her unwavering support for countless other local organisations also saw her volunteer to make regular recordings of excerpts from the Hexham Courant for the Tynedale Talking Newspaper for the visually impaired.

She also provided hospitality for countless Hexham and District Music Society performers over the years.

At the Abbey, her home baking prompted the creation of the Abbey Teas, which were served up to visitors every summer for more than 30 years before the current Abbey Refectory Cafe openedd.

As an Abbey steward, Marjorie would often provide guided tours of the historic building, especially for groups of school children.

Her needlework skills were harnessed by the embroidery group to create kneelers, and she would also train those preparing to give readings at services, in particular for the Christmas service of nine lessons and carols.

Marjorie leaves Colin, her two daughters and four grandchildren.

A woodland burial at Hexham cemetery was followed by a service of thanksgiving at the Abbey on January 27.