A woman who once worked at the Scafell Hotel in Borrowdale in her younger years and would later become a much-loved pillar of the Appleby community has died, aged 93.
Violet Elizabeth Dowson left school and by the age of 14 she came to England from her home at Motherwell in Scotland and was working in Bristol in a hotel where her mother was a cook.
This work would last through the “summer season” and when it ended she would return to her hometown and find work in the hosiery factory.
In 1949, aged 20, she arrived at the Scafell Hotel in Rosthwaite to join her mother who was one of the cooks. This was the era when film stars and gentry like Lord and Lady Wedgwood would holiday in Borrowdale. From a young age, she helped everyone, whoever they were, and later, helping people in the community became a big part of her life.
Being young and living and working in Borrowdale it was not long before relationships began, and Violet made very close friends who would later become her relations through marriage.
The late Les Dowson would travel on the bus from Appleby to see his parents and brother in Borrowdale. He met Violet through his brother, Alan, and once he heard her sing it was only a matter of time before he asked her to marry him! Rumour has it that he auditioned her for her role as his wife and her voice convinced him that she was the one.
Violet and Les married in Wishaw, Scotland, and then settled back in Appleby. They were married for 55 years. They first lived at the Ship Inn, and then moved to 13 Doomgate, before settling at Scattergate, where Violet lived until after Les’s death.
As well as raising a family, Violet continued to work hard as a waitress in the Royal Oak and then at Gillian’s hairdresser as well as the Norweb showroom.
The Appleby Concert Party (The Legionnaires) created and run by her husband Les, would always see Violet duetting with Tommy Huck to finish another marvellous show. Her singing was beautiful and gave pleasure to so many people. The Legionnaires gave pleasure not only to Appleby residents but also to surrounding villages. Violet worked freely and tirelessly, helping her husband put on Concerts which raised thousands of pounds for charity. Her efforts were rewarded with an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Violet was always very humble about their achievements, but it was a very well deserved and proud moment.
The Royal British Legion was very important for Violet and played a huge part in her life. She was in the ladies branch and made many close friends, continuing to raise money for charities. Violet was the “sick visitor” and was always there if someone needed help. Her caring nature continued into the family as well as the community.
The church was very important to her, and her faith made her strong. She loved to attend the Sunday services and take part in the church and fund-raising activities with fellow parishioners.
After the progression of dementia, Violet moved to Stobars Hall in Kirby Stephen, where she was looked after by wonderful caring people who became part of her family.
She always responded with a big smile and loved to join in when her favourite songs were played.
Her spirit remained strong right to the very end.
Her funeral service was held at St Lawrence’s Church in Appleby and was led by the Rev Roger Collinson, a very dear friend of hers.
