A 'special lady' whose legacy will live on
TRIBUTES have been paid to Jane Gummer MBE, DL, who died suddenly last week while on holiday in the Lake District.
Jane, 77, who gave a lifetime of public service, suffered a heart attack in Ullswater last Wednesday and died at Cumberland Hospital the following day.
Her life was devoted to good causes.
She was chairman of Mirfield's Safe Anchor Trust and the Spenborough Forget Me Not Fund, chair of governors at Batley Grammar School, former chairman of Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates Court, a deputy lieutenant of West Yorkshire and former president and current patron of the women's section of the Royal British Legion in West and South Yorkshire.
She was born at Hill Top House, Gomersal and was educated at Whitcliffe Mount Grammar School.
In 1956 she gained a law degree at Leeds University and in 1959 she married her husband, Peter. They celebrated their golden wedding last year.
She was appointed to the Dewsbury Magistrates' bench in 1970, was the bench chairman from 1997-2001 and deputy chairman of a national committee of the Magistrates' Association before she retired.
It was through her work as a magistrate that she became involved in the Safe Anchor Trust, set up in 1995 by former Kirklees chief probation officer Les Moss to provide canal trips for the disadvantaged and disabled, young and old.
"Jane commanded tremendous respect and affection," said Les.
"My abiding memory of her was that she made everyone feel special. She was totally reliable, if she said she would do something, you knew she would do it, and incredibly she helped raise 1m for the charity over the years.
"She was a fantastic ambassador for the trust, very enthusiastic and committed, and together we organised two royal visits to the trust - Princess Anne in 2003 and Prince Edward five years later.
"She always said that Peter was her prince, after he retired he gave his life to supporting her in every way that he could and we always saw them as a team.
"I am absolutely shocked and bereft at her death - she was a very special lady.
"Fittingly our new boat is going to be called the Safe Anchor Lady - and that is what Jane was."
In 2001 Jane became a governor at Batley Grammar, and was the first female chair of governors in its 400 year history.
Headteacher Brigid Tullie said: "Jane was an amazing lady who had a natural ability to relate to everyone and a warmth which was very much appreciated by all.
"She worked tirelessly for the benefit of all those involved with the school and she never missed an event be it a nursery nativity, a senior school concert or a more formal meeting.
"She thoroughly enjoyed watching the pupils in action and was one of Batley Grammar School's greatest ambassadors.
"She led the Governing Body at a very important time in the school's history, during which it has proposed to become a 'Free School'.
"It is such a shame that she will not be with us to see the fruition of such labours in this significant project which she helped champion.
"Her death is such a sad loss for everyone at the school and she will be greatly missed by us all."
Deputy chairman of governors John Holroyd, who also sat as a magistrate alongside Jane, said: "As with everything Jane did in life, she gave her time and expertise in an unstinting way to the work of the Magistrates Bench.
"Not only did she work hard locally, but she served for many years on numerous national committees of the Magistrates Association.
"She will be remembered with great affection for her caring nature and her willingness to always help with anyone's problems.
"I also saw how, with the same enthusiasm and energy, she threw herself into the affairs and workings of the Grammar School. She was the finest ambassador one could wish for."
Fellow deputy lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Coun Margaret Bates, said: "Jane was a very unique person, a real lady, who lived her life for the benefit of others less fortunate than herself,
"She immersed herself in charitable work, and rarely said no in giving help and support to anyone who asked of her.
"Jane loved people, and people loved Jane, especially her husband, Peter. She will certainly will be missed but her legacy in caring for others will live on. I will always be proud to say I knew Jane Gummer."
Eddie Morton, chairman of the Spenborough RBL, said: "As well as occupying the lofty position in West and South Yorkshire, she was an active member of the Spenborough branch.
"Her in-depth knowledge was of great assistance and her advice and guidance made life easier for the committee.
"She was always ready to compliment members and workers for the smallest job, which encouraged people to do more. She led from the front and the ex-service community should consider themselves privileged to have had her fighting their cause."
Marlene Wood, secretary of the Spenborough Forget Me Not Fund, which provides aid for ex-servicemen and their dependants, said: "She was so interested in helping people and was anxious to do all she could for ex-service people. She was a wonderful person and I shall miss her very much."
Peter said: "She loved everything she got involved in. People have said the kindest things about her and how she helped them. To me, she was my rock, my reason, my purpose."
Jane's funeral service will be a private family cremation. There will be a service of thanksgiving for her life at St John's Church, Cleckheaton, on October 3 at 3pm.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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