Claudine King |
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From Mick Piggott Former well-known Hebden Bridge resident Claudine King died last week in Huddersfield Hospital, following a long period of declining health. Claudine spent most of her adult life in Hebden Bridge, but moved to Mytholmroyd two years ago. For some years, Claudine had lived a quiet life, and lost touch with many of her old friends. This was as Claudine wished it; through the time of her poor health, she had become somewhat reclusive. This was in stark contrast with her more active years. Claudine moved to Hebden Bridge in the late 70s and became deeply involved in the fondly remembered Strays Restaurant and then the earlier days of the Trades Club. Claudine's contributions played no small part in the early successes of both Strays and the Trades. Claudine was a strong, colourful character and will be sadly missed. Her only son, Tristan, died in December 2008. She is survived by her sister Denise. Her funeral will take place at Elland Crematorium at 11.15 am on Monday, 2nd August. All who knew her will be welcome to attend. No flowers please; donations to the Woodland Trust will be appreciated. From Ness Parfitt So sorry to hear of Claudine's death. In addition to her other activities I remember her as a stalwart member of the Tai Chi classes which I attended for many years. In the days of Pitt St as an Adult Education Centre and of Adult Ed classes in that odd upstairs room, Friday morning was always Tai Chi and Claudine was a most skilled and consciencious practictioner. She was always the one I wanted in my sights - slightly to the left and in front of me - because she could be relied upon to know what came next! In the absence of classes during the summer she would be in the park on Friday, as agreed and ready to go, Tai Chi practice without a tutor! Was this even possible? Fortunately she also remembered many warm- up exercises and the full three parts of the 'form' otherwise we might have been very stuck. I have missed her in the last few years. I was very taken with her full-throated laugh - surely one of the dirtiest laughs it is possible to have. I think she might have liked the acceptance our public Tai Chi practice received from Hebden Bridgers and the curiosity of passing strangers - dare I say it? - the phrase 'So Hebden Bridge' comes to mind. From Gilly Sloper I have many fond memories of Claudine from the '70's and early '80's. We spent many a drunken night at Mary and Niven's house on Edward Street before the days of Strays or the Trades came into being. We had great fun renovating the premises for Strays and devising menus with Mary and Victoria. Claudine and I had a sewing business at one time called Silver Lining. She was the life and soul of any party and always spoke her mind. Farewell Claudine.
From Rusty Woodward Gladdish I have just stumbled on this online memoriam about my old friend and soul sister Claudine king. What a terrible shock!! We go way back to the 70s days of the Birchwood Commune in Malvern (I lived in Malvern). Then to her carthatic move to Hebden Bridge all satanic mills and wuthering heights. In the early days I was a regular visitor to Hebden to see her. Our lives diverged however and I went off teaching English abroad and we lost touch but I have never forgotten her. I last visited Hebden Bridge about 5 years ago and tried to see her but she had become a complete recluse. I am devastated to hear that Tristan whom I have known since he was eight years old has also passed away. I shall always remember Claudine and Tristan with great fondess and affection. |