THE regard and affection of many people for Jane Woolford, 69, was reflected in the packed attendance at her memorial service which followed the cremation at Kingsdown in Swindon on December 20.

Warm tributes were paid at the service, which took place in the larger St Bartholomew’s Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, rather than in Jane’s own parish of Lydiard Tregoze.

The Rev Trevor Day, who officiated, was assisted by lay minister Margaret Ellis. Richard Woolford gave an impressive eulogy.

Mrs Woolford, an only child, spent her early life at Hilperton, near Trowbridge, and was educated at Atworth and at Bradford-on-Avon Grammar School. Subsequently she worked at Stonar School. She met James Woolford through Melksham Young Farmers’ Club, where they had many friends, and they were married in February 1971.

Mrs Woolford relished rural life. She was keenly involved in the NFU as a dairy farming representative, helped with initiatives and was widely known in the farming community. She was forthright, forward-thinking, determined and compassionate and did not like bureaucracy.

She was noted for her hospitality, her wonderful baking and her concern for the wider community. She and James were founder members of the Lydiards Twinning Association. She loved travel, and enjoyed motoring across France, and visiting other parts of Europe, as well as Norway and Zimbabwe.

She cared for people, including her elderly relatives, neighbours and friends, and she enjoyed welcoming visitors to the family farm at Hook.

She and her husband had two children, a daughter Jacqui, born in 1972, and son Richard in 1974. During their schooldays she was active in the PTA.

The death of 21-year-old Jacqui in a road accident in 1993 was devastating. The family’s positive response to the tragedy was their donation of an attractive site at Woodshaw, Royal Wootton Bassett, as the Jacqui Woolford Memorial Park, for everyone to enjoy.

The vicar said: “Jane has always demonstrated love and endurance. She leaves a legacy of compassion, strength of character and lovely family values.”

The service in church ended with a Celtic Blessing and Whitney Houston’s recording of I Will Always Love You.

Everyone was invited to share further reminiscences and refreshments afterwards at Marsh Farm Hotel.