LIFE-LONG Royston resident Kathleen Dodkin MBE has died. Mrs Dodkin, who celebrated her 100th birthday last year, passed away at Lister Hospital after a short illness. Born in Gower Road in 1908, Kathleen lived in Royston all her life. She was best known

LIFE-LONG Royston resident Kathleen Dodkin MBE has died.

Mrs Dodkin, who celebrated her 100th birthday last year, passed away at Lister Hospital after a short illness.

Born in Gower Road in 1908, Kathleen lived in Royston all her life.

She was best known for her work at Bassingbourn Barracks, an association which began in 1936 when she was appointed as a secretary to assist in the construction of the barracks.

After working at the Wimpole Hall military hospital during World War Two, she took up the post of organist at Bassingbourn in 1950, a position she held for more than 50 years. She was also organist at Royston Congregational Church.

A long-time member of Royston Writers Circle, and a former Crow columnist, Kathleen also wrote a book entitled Wartime Reminiscences about her experience during the war.

In 1999 she was made an MBE for services to the armed forces.

Latterly a resident of Richard Cox House residential home in Royston, Kathleen was married to the late Kenneth Dodkin, and had one son, two grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Her son, Colin Freeman, said a memorial thanksgiving service will take place at Royston Parish Church on Monday, April 6, starting at 2pm.

He said: "Before she died Mum requested that no one comes in their mourning clothes, the service is to be a celebration of her life.