TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Bewdley stalwart who died aged 88.

Dizzie Moore, who lived in Wyre Forest for thirty years and was twice mayor of Bewdley, died at her home in Haslemere in Surrey last Thursday after a short illness.

Bewdley Festival Director Jenny Paddock, on behalf of the Bewdley Festival committee, said: "As Bewdley Festival is organised by local people, it is no surprise that community-minded Dizzie Moore should have been so involved.

"An enthusiastic supporter since the festival began in 1988, she served on various of its committees during the following years.

"Dizzie's links with so many other local organisations and her extensive personal contacts were invaluable to the festival, especially in the early days.

"Whatever the circumstances, she knew the right person to approach, and with a mixture of charm and arm-twisting she always got her way.

"Her friendliness and varied personal experiences meant that when chatting to festival performers after events she usually discovered a shared experience or mutual contact.

"Even in the last few years the subsequent long conversations, often late into the night never seemed to diminish her energy, although she occasionally nodded off at afternoon events on the following days.

"Her move to Haslemere did nothing to diminish Dizzie's love for Bewdley.

"Sadly, she was unable to attend the festival last year but we were all delighted to see her at the Christmas event at Kateshill House.

"Indomitable and charismatic as ever, she had photographs of the Duke of Edinburgh chatting to her at the Remembrance Day Parade. Apparently he said to her, 'See you next year!' Unfortunately he will miss her and so will we, tremendously."

Former Mayor of Bewdley Stuart Williams said: "We worked together for quite a long time. She was always a very energetic lady, she was involved in many aspects of the town's community, through the twinning association, in the council, the carnival and the Royal British Legion and she was mayor on two occasions."

A statement from the Rotary Club of Bewdley said: "Dizzie was a most active and enthusiastic member of the Rotary Club of Bewdley, having first become an honorary member as the town mayor.

"Her membership continued and she served on several committees, contributing much to local and international charities and numerous other club activities.

"On moving to Surrey, these activities were continued as a member of the Rotary Club of Haslemere where she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship."

A private family funeral will be held in Surrey on Friday, followed by a memorial service at All Saints Church in Grayswood, Haslemere at 2pm.

A memorial service is also being in Bewdley at a date yet to be confirmed.