TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'kind, generous and wonderful lady, with a huge heart and always wearing a big smile' after her passing.

Dorothy Patricia Knott was born at Dilston Maternity Hospital, in Corbridge, on July 23 1943 and, sadly, died on November 9 2020.

Dorothy met her husband Douglas, who was awarded an MBE in 2003 for his 35 years voluntary service to Northumbria special constabulary, when they were just four-years-old, living on the same road and attending the same schools. The couple married in April 1966 at St. Andrew's Church, in the village, before moving to Hexham where they spent their married life. They welcomed son Clive in 1968, who went on to work for the family business and bowl at national level, and daughter Shirley in 1970, who studied Performing Arts, which would see her travel the world.

Dedicated to her family she was, but Dorothy always had time for others and heavily immersed herself in valley life with wonderful, voluntary contributions across the community. She had a total of 65 years service to Tynedale Music Festival, initially taking a role as steward and later chief steward, as well as holding a place on the committee, and 5th Hexham Abbey Brownies, where she was Tawny Owl.

Dorothy's commitment to the festival was not only unfaltering but also contagious, for husband Douglas became involved in 2005, initially as treasurer and later as chairman. Shirley and son-in-law Tim were also heavily involved. Dorothy was a regular attendee at regional meetings and federation events and contributed enormously to the success of the festival, which, sadly, no longer runs.

Dorothy’s father Arthur Kindred was chairman of Hexham Royal Air Force club, and alongside Douglas, Dorothy volunteered her time for over 10 years, arranging entertainment including the children’s annual Christmas party.

Dorothy, who trained as a chiropodist, worked with Douglas in their newsagents shops, on Market Street and News Cabin, at Hexham Railway Station, before becoming holiday park owners in Hexhamshire and County Durham. They retired in 2007 and enjoyed many happy times together at their holiday retreat in Scotland, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 2016.

Dorothy’s thanksgiving service was held at St. Andrew’s Church, on November 25 - where she had also been baptised and a warden.