Published at 11:11, Thursday, 09 August 2012

LIZ Appleyard, an usher at Whitehaven magistrates’ court for many years, has died aged 59.

A familiar face in the court system, Mrs Appleyard, who lived at Beckermet, transferred to West Cumbria Courthouse at Workington when the Whitehaven courts closed last June.

She died at West Cumberland Hospital on Saturday.

She had served as an usher at Whitehaven for 23 years and always acquitted her role with efficiency and good humour.

Whitehaven solicitor Neil Pilling said: “Liz was the usher at the old Whitehaven court for a long time and kept all the solicitors, defence and prosecution, in order.

“We were all devastated that she was so ill and saddened to hear of her passing. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to her family.’’

Her husband, Bill, died several years ago and she is survived by daughters Dawn and Michelle and two grandchildren.

For the magistrates court service, Stephen Harris said: “Mrs Appleyard was a long-standing and valued member of staff and we were very, very sad to hear she had passed away.’’

A funeral service will take place at St John’s Church, Beckermet on August 17 at noon. Donations in her memory can be made to Ward 12, Freeman Hospital or the West Cumberland Hospital c/o funeral directors Adams, Read & Hocking, Ennerdale Road, Cleator Moor.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk