Bloxham mourns historian, artist and museum creator Yvonne Huntriss MBE who has died aged 101

Yvonne Suzanne Huntriss died peacefully on Easter Sunday in Godswell Park, Bloxham, just six weeks before her 102nd birthday.

Mrs Huntriss was born on May 28, 1918 in Hampstead, London. One of three children, she trained as a teacher at college in Kensington and taught throughout the war.

Long-time neighbour Sir Tony Baldry said: "During the Second World War her brother was taken a prisoner of war by the Japanese. In the POW camp her brother's best friend was Charles Huntriss who Yvonne married after the war."

After her marriage the couple moved to Claydon and on to Bloxham in 1955.

"Over the years Yvonne made an enormous contribution to life in Bloxham including the founding and setting up of the Bloxham museum for which she was awarded an MBE," said Sir Tony.

"Charles Huntriss become a partner in Aplin and Stocktons solicitors. For many years Yvonne ran the girl guides in Bloxham and for a number of years organised the most amazing village pageants around a Bloxham historic theme in which much of Bloxham took part."

The couple had two sons, John and Michael.

As well as being a Brown Owl, Mrs Huntriss was a Sunday School teacher, a staunch member of the Mothers Union and a parish councillor.

Friend Diana Thompson said: "An interest in fundraising for Bloxham church led to Yvonne and Charles organizing three pageants and two pantomimes, the former taking two years of research and another year encouraging local residents to take part and rehearse.

"The immense historical knowledge of Bloxham gained from all Yvonne’s research led to the formation of Bloxham Museum. She took a major part in its running until age and failing eyesight prevented her from taking an active part. She then became patron.

"A talented artist in various mediums, Yvonne’s work can be found in many homes in Bloxham and further afield, as well as the books and pamphlets she had written on Bloxham’s history and its people. In 2003 Yvonne was awarded the MBE for her community services and especially the Bloxham Museum.

"She will be sadly missed by all who knew her."