Tributes to charity stalwart ‘Dobbie’

99 year-old Ethel Dobbins, of Northumberland Avenue in Cleveleys, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her commitment to community services.
Ethel with her thoughts which she wrote down after hearing she had won the medal. PIC BY ROB LOCK
13-6-2014 — 99 year-old Ethel Dobbins, of Northumberland Avenue in Cleveleys, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her commitment to community services. Ethel with her thoughts which she wrote down after hearing she had won the medal. PIC BY ROB LOCK 13-6-2014

Ethel Dobbins, known affectionately as Dobbie to her friends, was honoured for her services to the community in June 2014.

Despite having been a nurse, a midwife, a health visitor and a social worker, as well as volunteering with charities for the elderly and disabled she had said she never expected such an accolade even in her “wildest dreams”.

But her close friends and charity peers have said she was “over the moon” with the accolade, which was richly deserved.

Ralph Butters, treasurer of Hard of Hearing, for which Mrs Dobbins was secretary, said: “It was an experience knowing Mrs Dobbins.

“She was very good to work with and very knowledgeable.

“She was a super woman.”

Mrs Dobbins, of Northumberland Avenue, Cleveleys, died on Monday, just short of her 100th birthday, having suffered poor health since a bad fall before Christmas.

Despite her ill health, her friends said they were still planning her centenary celebrations which they felt sure she would make. Mr Butters added: “It’s a shame she didn’t make it to 100 but she had a very full life. She was committed to helping people.”

Mrs Dobbins also remained an active member of Wyre Senior Voice Forum, Wyre Together, Wyre Disability, and was treasurer of Blackpool Stroke Club.