Nell Whittingham, who has died aged 96, was a woman of deep Christian faith, a prolific letter writer, and known for her remarkable memory. Her family affectionately called her 'annoyingly positive'. She lived a life full of adventure, from flying with the Flying Doctor service in Zambia to serving as a church warden for more than 30 years.
Early life and career
Born in Ipstones, Staffordshire, to George and Ella Clowes, silk-mill workers who later ran a greengrocers in Leek, Nell experienced hard times alongside her sister, Lilian. Despite this, she earned a scholarship to Leek High School for Girls and later studied public health at Stoke Technical College, becoming the first female public health inspector for Stoke council.
Adventures abroad
In 1952, Nell married Barrie Whittingham, a civil engineer. They lived in Wiltshire and then Corringham, Essex, where Nell built a sailing dinghy in the kitchen. When Barrie's career took them to Zambia in the 1960s, they owned a Piper Tri-Pacer aircraft and flew the Flying Doctor service, with Nell assisting in weather reports and logistics. In the 1970s, they lived in Swaziland, Sudan, and Nigeria, where Nell set up a weather station to monitor wind for the Savannah Sugar Factory. In Papua New Guinea, she renovated a dug-out canoe and sailed in shark-infested waters.
Return to England and church work
In 1980, Nell and Barrie moved to Foggathorpe, East Yorkshire. There, she discovered the 11th-century Norman church of All Saints, Aughton, where she became churchwarden for over 30 years. Nell tirelessly fundraised for the church, securing a stained-glass window consecrated by Archbishop of York John Sentamu, installing electricity, and bringing mains water for a toilet and kitchen. She also researched the Catholic rebel Robert Aske from Aughton, the Pilgrimage of Grace, and the Suppression of Religious Houses in 1535. Her annual Pilgrimage of Grace evenings and afternoon teas continue to this day.
Academic achievements and later life
In the 1980s, Nell earned a certificate in social studies at Hull University, followed by a degree in social policy and administration, and master's degrees in care for the elderly and managing change. She worked as unit manager for Bridlington Mental Health Resource Base (1989-91) and resource manager for Grimsby Mental Health Resource Base (1991-92). Nell won the East Riding of Yorkshire council chairman's community award and, in 2020, was awarded Maundy Money from Queen Elizabeth II.
Personal life and legacy
Nell loved reading, long-distance walking, gardening, singing, and went on a pilgrimage to Iona. Barrie died in 1993, and Lilian in 2017. Nell is survived by three sons, David, Mark, and Nichols, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
