THE community spirit of a late Sedgefield woman inspired an afternoon tea event in aid of her favourite charity.

Sedgefield Inner Wheel hosted the event at Ceddesfeld Hall, in Sedgefield village, today (Wednesday, April 15) in memory of Joyce Lowe.

Mrs Lowe was a founder member of the club in 1983 and was one of its most active members, particularly baking and volunteering at charity and community events.

She was also commandant of Sedgefield Red Cross until it folded in the early 1980s, after becoming involved with the charity while helping out at the former Winterton Hospital and Sedgefield Community Hospital.

After Mrs Lowe died in October 2013, aged 87, Inner Wheel members decided to host afternoon tea in her memory and donate the proceeds to the British Red Cross.

Group presidents Mavis Threlfall and Joan Hewick hope the event was a fitting tribute to an active member and well known Sedgefield lady for a charity she was passionate about.

Mrs Lowe is survived by her husband, retired builder Eric, who lives at The Beeches Care Home at Kelloe village, two sons, Colin and Tim, and four grandchildren.

Eldest son, Colin Lowe, said: “She cared a lot about her voluntary work with the Red Cross, she organised lots of first aid courses and volunteers for events.

“She also cared about the Inner Wheel and St Edmund’s Church where she organised flowers, she enjoyed 25 years of comradeship.

“She’d be quite touched by this event, she’d not want the fuss but deep down be very proud.”