‘Fun and fitness’ was the former teacher’s motto

Helen Bamford joined the former Beauchamp High School for Girls - which later became Myton School - in the 1960s, teaching PE and commercial office skills.

She also produced Gilbert and Sullivan shows before leaving the school in 1979.

Originally from Lancashire, Mrs Bamford moved to Red Lane, Kenilworth, in 1950 with her husband Herbert and taught at the old Copthorne Secondary School in Coventry, where she also organised Scottish dancing, helping win many prizes.

In 1963 the couple moved to Bishop’s Tachbrook and the pair continued their love of gardening, folk dancing and became involved in village life and societies.

Mrs Bamford, who was widowed in 1999, was heavily involved with folk dancing groups in Warwickshire and poetry lovers in Leamington, according to her niece Susanne MacGregor.

She said: “My aunt lived independently at home to the end, with the help of her many neighbours and friends in the village.

“She loved the amazing community spirit in Bishop’s Tachbrook.

“After she retired she became producer of the pantomimes that the village WI put on and staged six pantos.”

Mrs Bamford was also a regular worshipper at St Chad’s church in the village.

Her niece said: “She was so keen on meeting people that she joined the Mothers Union aged 96 because it was easier to walk to.

“She had a great sense of humour and would always joke about things, even when she was ill.

“In the 1930s she was a member of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty. Fun and fitness was their theme and that was very much hers.

“My aunt didn’t drink or smoke and loved dancing.”

Mrs Bamford died in Warwick Hospital on October 28 and predeceased her son David.

In February the Courier published a letter from Mrs Bamford praising the care she had received at Warwick Hospital over more than nine months. She wrote: “My maxim is respect and dignity for the nurses – as for the elderly. Please and thank you are wonderful words.”

The funeral will take place at St Chad’s church, Bishops Tachbrook on Wednesday November 14 at 2pm.