Helston said goodbye on Friday to a woman who dedicated her life to Flora Day and the town she loved.

Betty Liddicoat spent 46 years on the Flora Day committee of the Early Morning and Evening Dance, since 1974, and had led the dances herself, in 1975, with Brian Brokenshire.

She also went on to be in the leading set of the Midday Dance, partnered with Paul Ashley, in 1989.

As such, there could be no more fitting tribute than Helston Town Band playing the Flora Dance as mourners left Central Methodist Church following a service of thanksgiving for her life.

Betty, wife of long-serving Helston policeman John Liddicoat, died unexpectedly at home on February 7, aged 72.

Falmouth Packet:

She was born at Bridge View, Helston – now the site of Lidl – the daughter of a travelling family.

Leaving school at 15, she went to work for Cousins the haberdashery and when that closed she moved on to men’s outfitters Simpsons at the top of Coinagehall Street.

Finding herself relocated to the Penzance branch, however, and without her own transport, she left and went to work for Roger Clotworthy’s menswear shop.

However, it was in her role as playground assistant at St Michael’s School where she really found her place.

John said: “Betty loved working at St Michael's, looking after the children, and though she probably would not admit it was thrilled when later they had grown up they would stop and talk to her.

“She was able to talk to them without ever talking down to them. I think that is why they liked her.”

Together with Bert Hicks, Betty took over the running of the children’s pet show at Helston Harvest Fair for many years and did her best to make sure as many children as possible won a rosette – and those that didn’t always received a bag of sweets, so no one was left out.

“She loved all things Helston, Helston people and Flora Day,” added John.

Friday’s service of thanksgiving was taken by Rev Danny Reed and followed a private cremation.

Donations were taken, and can still be given, to the Sunrise Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital via Pendles Funeral Services.

John said: “I’d like to thank everybody who has been so kind, through their cards and best wishes.

“I understand at times like this you don’t know what to say to somebody, but it’s so nice for someone to just say, ‘How are you?’

“Betty was a private person in many ways, but could also be outgoing and she enjoyed herself. We had a lovely time together.”