Joan Barker

Last updated 05:36, Friday, 19 September 2008

The death of Joan Barker of Dyke Nook, Sandford, Warcop, near Appleby, means the loss to the community of a dedicated and caring person who was mourned by hundreds at the funeral service held at St Columba’s Church, Warcop.

Joan came to Cumbria from Manchester to live in Appleby, her father’s hometown.

She worked for a time at the former Express Dairy in the town before marrying George Barker and moving to Dyke Hook.

The couple had a great interest in vintage farming machinery and heavy horses and set up a farm museum, George was also involved in several building projects and developed the local Sandford Arms Pub.

Joan was always involved in the life of the village being active the Sandford Institute and the village school, she organised many fundraising events.

The couple have two daughters, Gillian and Lizzie, and Joan loved being a grandmother. She will be long remembered as a wonderful caring person, always cheerful in spite of her health problems.