Friends and family of Conistone-with Kilnsey woman and keen historian Thelma Hall attended a thanksgiving service in her memory at the village’s St Mary’s Church.

Mrs Hall, who has died aged 88, was born in Skipton and educated at the Girls High School, but spent most of her life as a farmer’s wife at Hemplands Farm, Conistone.

In addition to helping out on Charlie’s 360 acre sheep farm, she put her accountancy skills to good use by dealing with all the farm accounts, including the introduction of VAT.

She was secretary and treasurer of the Dales Fox Fund, set up in 1942 to combat to menace of foxes in the Upper Dales, for 52 years, and served on the Wharfedale Ladies Committee of Wharfedale Rugby Club.

She had a passion for the history and geology of the Dales and was a member of the Arthur Rastrick’s Ladies Group, helping the historian record local historical and geological sites for his publications.

She became such an expert in her own right that she led walks in the area for the National Park Authority.

She was also a member of the Upper Wharfedale Field Society, leaving a valuable legacy for Conistone as a result of her historical research.

Mrs Hall was also an accomplished whist player, keen on crosswords and a regular at the mobile library.

She leaves two sons, Martin and Graeme, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.