Sutton woman Kate Noel Bailey, who died this month aged 95, was a lady renowned for her high principles.

Kate was famous for her breakfasts, smile and twinkle in her eye. It was in her Jackson Street home where many people were warmly welcomed and well fed.

Her generosity was legendary, as was her box of bricks from a nearby wood turners, Peter the well-worn toy dog and a tartan dog with a tape measure permanently hanging from its mouth which the children loved to play with.

Kate was born in Scott Street, Keighley, on Christmas Day 1902 and was the fourth child to teacher, Sarah and local Methodist preacher, George Stride.

She was the youngest in the family. The family attended the town's Alice Street Chapel, where Kate won numerous Sunday School prizes and loved to keep her father company on his preaching appointments at various village chapels.

After leaving school, she worked in the Keighley Borough Treasurer's Department where she stayed until the age of 65. Her only break was when she married Wilson Bailey in 1933 - married women were not employed by the council at that time.

Wilson's family farmed at Valley Farm, Sutton. In 1934, their only child, Neil, was born. But he sadly died shortly afterwards. At the start of the Second World War, Wilson joined the army and was one of many at Dunkirk. He left active service shortly afterwards and by the time he arrived home, Kate had returned to the office.

The couple made their home in Cross Hills but later moved to Jackson Street. Kate joined Sutton Baptist Church and on retirement became a member of the Royal British Legion's Women's Section

As a great letter writer, Kate kept in touch with her many cousins, most of whom lived in Birmingham, and, in later life, with the 'girls from the office.'

For many years, she kept in close contact with her aunt Lizzie (her mother's sister) who, with husband Alf, was with the China Inland Mission. Kate offered her Chinese artifacts and letters to the British Museum.

After Wilson died in 1983, Kate took pleasure in exploring the Sutton countryside with her second cousin, Alison. Many a time was spent eating at Kate's favourite stopping place - the Hargreaves Arms - where she always rounded off her meal with a helping of lemon meringue pie.

Earlier this decade, Kate reluctantly went to live at Eastburn's Croft House, although her family have praised the work of its staff in caring for her. Thanks also go to her former neighbours Margaret Riddiough and the late Mary Astin for their frequent visits to their fiercely independent but much-loved friend.

The funeral service was held at Sutton's Baptist Church on Monday. Rev A.C.D Johnstone officiated.

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