Tributes for former midwife and talented writer and artist Kath

One of the longest serving members of the Burnley and District Writers' Circle has died at the age of 91.
Tributes have been paid to Mrs Kathleen Bulcock, a talented writer and artist, who has died at the age of 91.Tributes have been paid to Mrs Kathleen Bulcock, a talented writer and artist, who has died at the age of 91.
Tributes have been paid to Mrs Kathleen Bulcock, a talented writer and artist, who has died at the age of 91.

Mrs Kathleen Bulcock was chairman of the group which she joined in 1957 after seeing an advertisement in the Nelson Leader asking for new members.

One of Burnley's oldest surviving and most successful groups, Kath was proud to host its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2014.

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Although ill health had affected her mobility she was still attending the groups and was privileged to support Burnley born writer Paul Abbott, who penned the hugely successful TV series Shameless and also writes for Coronation Street.

He has continued his association with the group and is honorary president.

As part of her writing, Kath was a regular contributor to the Letters to the Editor in the Burnley Express, often expressing her views about a variety of subjects close to her heart in verse form.

Married to her husband Bert for 71 years, Kath was originally from Haslingden and was the youngest of three children.

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Kath received a grammar school education and passed her O'levels. She worked for the Co-op as an office clerk where she mastered shorthand.

Kath and Bert settled in Nelson after tying the knot in 1946 but moved to Burnley in 1962.

Kath completed her midwifery training at Burnley's Bank Hall Hospital and she was dedicated to her job and was often out delivering babies across Burnley and the surrounding areas in all weathers.

Over the years Kath and Bert travelled to various parts of the world and enjoyed Italy, Paris, America,

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Yugoslavia, Tunisa, Majorca, Spain, Lanzarote and enjoyed visiiting parts of the UK and Isle of White.

Kath also enjoyed painting and she honed her skills at a painting class. Her favourite subjects were stills, animals and people and Kath produced some amazing pieces of work which were often shown in exhibitions.

She also had a passion for sunbathing and gardening.

Kath joined Habergham Eaves Parish Council where she was a member for 39 years and a past chairman.

Paying tribute to Kath the current chairman Mrs Pat Osbaldeston said: "Kath believed in doing the best for the parish and its residents and should anything be amiss would not give up until a solution was found.

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"Recently she had found it difficult to attend the meetings due to ill health but never failed to ring to find out what was happening in the parish and wherever possible offer her sound advice.

"She will be sorely missed by her fellow councillors and the parish has lost a valuable and much respected lady."

Kath had two children, Peter and Gail. The family was devastated when Gail died in 2005 but Kath was comforted in recent years after she gained another son, David.

Kath loved looking after her six grandchildren and she also had several great and great great grandchildren.

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She loved the fact there was always a baby in the family and Kath delighted in spending time with her brood and spoiling them.

Kath, who died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital, still enjoyed day trips out and she loved going to the theatre.

Her granddaughter Vicki said: "Grandma was an amazing lady who touched the hearts of many. She was truly loved by her family and will be remembered for being a magnificent person and will be missed very much.

"Her legacy will be carried in in her children and great grandchildren who have been influenced by this amazing

lady."

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Kath's funeral will be held next Tuesday, April 24th, at Longholme Methodist Church, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall at 2.30 pm followed by interment at Rawtenstall Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome and donations to Macmillan Nurses c/o Dawn Winfield, Fred Hamer Funeral Service, James Street, Rawtenstall. BB4 7NE or ring 01706 215721

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