A FOUNDER member of the Friends of the West Cliff Theatre and former playgroup owner has died after a short illness.

Kath Brown was a volunteer at the theatre in Clacton for around 35 years and ran a Saturday morning book stall to raise funds up until she was 90.

The West Cliff became a second home to Mrs Brown after her husband, Desmond, died in 1978.

Born in London, she moved to Colchester with her mother at an early age and later worked at Paxman’s Diesels in both the photographic and drawing offices.

After marrying at Culver Street Methodist Church in 1957, she and Desmond moved to Clacton where Mr Brown worked for the East Essex Gazette.

She also ran the Hillside Playgroup in the scout hut in Slade Road, Holland-on-Sea, for many years, and after that a clothing shop in North Road, Great Clacton.

Mrs Brown, of Marine Parade West, Clacton, always loved being involved with youngsters and was a Captain at 3rd Clacton Boys Brigade and helped out in the classroom at Burrsville Infants School.

One of her other great pleasures was when she worked as a volunteer guide at St Osyth Priory at a time when it was open to the public.

She was a member of the 129 Club in Holland-on-Sea, the Sharps and Flats Choir and attended the Clacton Arts and Literary Society for many years.

Mrs Brown leaves two sons, Nigel, and Adrian, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was 92 when she died at Colchester General Hospital on July 19 and suffered from vascular dementia for about 18 months.

Nigel said: “Mum was a very independent lady who did everything for herself until the last two years. She was a very generous person who loved children, the theatre, music, and the arts.

"She will leave a huge hole in our family, will be sorely missed but she is now at peace.”

Mrs Brown’s funeral will be held at Weeley Crematorium on Tuesday August 9 at 12.30pm. Family flowers only; donations to the Alzheimer’s Society.