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Alice Wilkinson

21/11/2008

MOURNERS at the funeral of a knitting enthusiast were expected to attend the service dressed in home-knitted garments in tribute to her talents.

Former weaver and quality controller at Enfield Mill, Mrs Alice Joyce Wilkinson, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital at the age of 76.

A great knitter, she would create items for family and friends and her sweaters were sent all around the world to such places as Hong Kong, New Zealand, America, Japan and Germany. All the designs were uniquely created by herself from ideas she gathered on her trips into town.

The widow of the late Joshua Wilkinson, she ran a greengrocers and fish shop in Frederick Street, Accrington before moving to Tremellen Street, Accrington and then finally to Union Road.

She started work at Three Brooks Mill then moved to Crabtree’s and later to Enfield Mill where she worked for over 25 years before taking early retirement to look after her ailing husband who was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

She also enjoyed playing bingo. On most afternoons she would go to the Empire Bingo Hall on Blackburn Road with her sister Doris.

She also liked watching snooker and tennis on TV.

A devout Catholic, she attended Sacred Heart RC Church, Accrington, until its closure and then St Mary’s RC Church, Oswaldtwistle, until she was no longer able to attend.

She leaves sons Michael and Tony and grandchildren Devon and Rachel. She was an aunt to many nephews and nieces and their children and also a sister.

Father John Daly was due to celebrate Requiem Mass at St Mary’s yesterday (Thursday) before cremation at Accrington.

Arrangements: Kirby and Hughes.