7th January 2019
Gladys Kell
Mrs Kell travelled with the Northern Belle since it began in 2000, joining us on numerous special journeys each year.
She was a lovely lady full of character who filled the carriage with warm and laughter. She looked forward to her journeys and we were all very good friends with her.
We would call her to make sure she had got home ok following her journeys, she loved that special little touch.
Chef would sit with her at the table when she arrived and talk her through what he would be creating for her. She enjoyed the simple things when it came to dining, and always had her favourite dessert, Apple Pie.
She became such a regular guest that we had her a gold name badge made, like the ones the stewards wear. She wore this with pride on every journey along with other VSOE badges and memorabilia.
In recent years she became frail and much less mobile, but her Northern Belle journeys ensured that she maintained strength and focus to continue coming onboard with the help of her loving family.
She made her very last journey onboard the Northern Belle and on the following day she peacefully passed away in her home.
For her funeral she had a coffin designed to replicate the Chatsworth carriage and a beautiful floral display featuring her lilac maracas, which she always brought with her on the Northern Belle to play along with the musicians.
On the day of her funeral, the Northern Belle paid respect by carrying a floral wreath on the front locomotive in her honour.
Some of her family and closest friends visited the train as a memento to her life aboard the Northern belle.
We all have very fond memories of our dear friend Mrs Kell.
