TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart after her death at the age of 79.

Maureen Higham founded the luncheon club at Radley Common Community Centre on Grasmere Avenue in Orford with her best friend Elaine Taylor and was awarded an MBE for her voluntary work in 2015.

The Orford resident died in St Rocco’s Hospice on Sunday, October 21, surrounded by friends and family.

Her funeral at St Elphin’s Church on Thursday, November 1, attracted a huge turnout - including many luncheon club members.

Natasha of Warrington Borough Council’s Warrington Wellbeing, whose service users often attend the luncheon club, said: “Radley Common Community Centre was her life - it’s what has kept her going since retirement.

“It was her baby - she would be there at at 5am to start cooking meals.

“Maureen would look out for people and pay for a lot of things out of her own pocket.

“Even when she was in St Rocco’s, Maureen was still phoning up to give instructions.”

Maureen’s memory will now live on through the work of Radley Common Community Centre and the luncheon club.

Natasha added: “Elaine is now running the luncheon club for Maureen in her memory.

“She has lost her best friend, but she’s so focussed on the fact that this has to continue.

“Only a few months ago, Elaine was burning toast but now she’s cooking every meal going.

“It’s still going, and it’s all down to Elaine and the volunteers there - it’s unbelievable what they do down there.

“Elaine is doing it for Maureen.”

The luncheon club recently received a £140 donation from the Asda Foundation, raised through carrier bag charges.

Natasha said: “Donations like these mean the world to us.”