The founder of a North Yorkshire cheese company, which created the award-winning Harrogate Blue brand, has died.
Shepherds Purse, based near Thirsk, announced the passing of its founder Judy Bell MBE, last night.
Judy was well known in the Harrogate district as chair and chief steward of the Cheese Show at the Great Yorkshire Show, as well as chair of Deliciously Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the Great Yorkshire Show, is among those paying tribute.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Judy Bell’s passing.“We have worked with Judy for a long time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and her recent lifetime achievement award by the Guild of Fine Food was thoroughly deserved for her dedication to the industry.“Judy will be sorely missed by all of us here on the showground and we send our sincere condolences to her wonderful family who will continue her incredible legacy.”
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Shepherds Purse announced the news on its social media channels “with great sadness”, describing Judy as “our founder, our colleague and friend”.
The statement added:
“Loving wife to Nigel, proud mum of Caroline, Katie, Justin and the late Jonathan, and a devoted and proud grandmother.
“Judy was an inspiration and continued to give her support generously, not only to us at Shepherds Purse after she handed over the reins to her girls in 2012, but to many others across the cheese, food and farming industries.
“She will be remembered as an ambassador for independent business, a pioneer of the food industry and a champion of all things Yorkshire. A true force of nature.”
Judy’s funeral will take place at Ripon Cathedral on Friday, March 25 at 1pm, followed by a celebration of her life at Solberge Hall, Northallerton.