MORE than 150 people attended the funeral of a woman who made a massive contribution to the community of Sale.

Betty Gallimore died on June 1 at the age of 89.

She died at home surrounded by her family and comforted by her faith and at peace with all. She was a regular attendee at St Mary's Church Moss Lane Sale she had many friends.

Her husband, Alan, died in 2002.

Mother-of-four Betty spent all her life in Sale, and devoted much of her time to putting something back into the community - including as a driving force for Sale Festival.

This was recognised when she received the MBE for her services to Sale in 2002. Three years earlier, Rotary International awarded her its Community Service Award in recognition of special service to the community

She was a councillor on the then Sale Council from 1971 to 1974, and was elected the same day her father George completed his term of office as Mayor of Sale.

She was instrumental in re-instating Sale Festival after Sale ceased to exist as a separate borough in 1974 and was president until her death.

The founder and past chairman of Sale Craft Society, she was a talented embroiderer, cross stitcher and flower arranger. Betty was a member of Sale Flower Club and her home was always filled with flowers.

For many years she was a Justice of the Peace for Trafford Bench, and became the first woman chairman of the Magistrates Bench, serving for 25 years.

She was also a member and founder of Ashton on Mersey Townswomen's Guild, Sale Flower Club and many other voluntary organisations.

Betty was also instrumental in the re-launch of the Manchester Luncheon Club for which she acted as president during 2001.

Having as a young girl attended Lauriston School, Betty maintained her link with the school after it closed. This was as a trustee of the Lauriston Trust which aims to support the arts in the North West with particular emphasis upon the youth.

Betty was creative to the end, regularly attending a group made up of like interested friends who practised creative writing and she had some short stories published.

She is survived by children John, Peter , twins Ann and Margaret and their respective partners Jackie, Elaine, Rick, Keith; and grandchildren Ian, Christopher, Andrew, Michael, Lindsay and Emma and four great grandchildren.

The family extends across the world to include Troy, Belinda, Stephanie, Amanda and Angela of whom she had fond memories from visiting in Austrailia.

Her funeral was held at St Mary Magdalene Church, Moss Lane, Sale on June 10.

* SALE Festival committee members have paid tribute to Betty Gallimore.
Garth Jones, the chairman of Sale Festival Committee, said: "Betty's dedication to the festival, of which she became president, was remarkable.
"She showed herself open to any changes that ensured its survival.
"She was determined, open minded, and a source of support and inspiration, which she gave freely during the years I have been the chair. She fought bravely against illness during the last year but still found time to speak about the festival she loved. She will be missed by previous officers of the festival as well as those who serve today and by all who met her."
Cllr Jane Baugh, the vice chairman of the festival, said: "She encouraged and supported local music groups, choirs, drama groups, local schools and creative artists to perform,  
"She will be remembered by all of us on Sale Festival committee for her commitment and dedication to Sale."
Cllr Barry Brotherton, publicity officer for the festival, added: "Her enthusiasm and commitment will be sadly missed."