A MEMORIAL service will be held at St Saviour’s Church, Dartmouth, on Thursday, June 16, at 1.30pm, for ‘exceptional family doctor’ Beryl Shatwell.

She died peacefully in Dartmouth Hospital last Friday, aged 89.

Dr Shatwell, who lived at Warfleet for 27 years, had worked as a locum doctor at the Dartmouth Medical Practice in Victoria Road. Before that she was a GP in Liverpool.

Dr Shatwell was the company director of St Thomas More School Charitable Trust in Exeter, a position she took up in March 1996 at the age of 69.

She was a supporter of the Dartmouth Flavel Arts Centre and was at one time a trustee of Dartmouth Caring and a member of the League of Friends of Dartmouth Hospital. She was also a patron of Dartmouth Food Festival.

Her son Nick said: ‘Mum was born in Nelson, Lancashire, the only child of Clarence and Jenny, and although suffering ill health as a child, boarded at a local convent school, where she attained the highest qualifications, and chose to read medicine at Liverpool University – a relatively unusual pursuit for a young woman in those days.

‘Qualifying in 1953, she pursued dermatology, and married a fellow doctor from, Liverpool, Cliff Pyne, whose father had worked at Phillips shipbuilders, graced the colours of Dartmouth AFC, signed up underage for the 1914-18 conflict, and had to move to Liverpool for work.’

Nick said he and his elder brother Tim were born and, after two divorces, his mother had left Liverpool 27 years ago to happily escape to her true love – Dartmouth.

Her home, Bunbury House, in Warfleet, became a haven, known as much for its wonderful cooking, nationally recognised gardens and magnificent hospitality, he said.

Town councillor Paul Allen said: ‘Beryl, always known for her awareness and helping of others, was a lady that will be missed across many parts of England but in particular Dartmouth.

‘She was a lady that had travelled the world and in her latter years had taken to improving her French which gave added value to the stylish and elegant manner in which she dressed.

‘A keen and successful chef, she delighted in entertaining friends in a relaxed and friendly manner, making sure that the dinner table was always set correctly right down to the smallest and finest detail.

‘Never one to shirk away from any task, she always had time to share her busy life with so many others. She will be sadly missed in a dignified and quiet way by her many friends who will recall a very unique person in the life of this town’.

Maeve Hitchmough, who was the health visitor attached to Dr Shatwell’s GP practice in Liverpool, said: ‘I worked with Dr Beryl Shatwell for 14 years. We became good friends.

‘Beryl was kind generous, compassionate, an exceptional family doctor and always good fun.

‘Her love of life often resulted in throwing parties at short notice, which were quite phenomenal. There was always superb food, cooked by Beryl, good company and lots of laughter.

‘Gardening was one of her passions and I understand that her Dartmouth garden was also a joy to behold.

‘I have many memories, but one particular incident comes to mind.

‘A young mum who had a three month old baby came to see her favourite doctor. She was upset and complaining of “not feeling very well”.

‘Beryl listened intently and sympathised. She then examined her and took her blood pressure.

‘Next she reached for her prescription pad and said” “This is what you need”. On the pad was written “A good night out”.

‘She had a knack of making everyone feel special.

‘No one who knew her, friends, work colleagues and patients alike, will ever forget her. She was a legend and will be forever in my thoughts.’

Long-term friend Sue Poole said: ‘Beryl was the most elegant, well informed, incisive, caring and cultured friend.’

Dartmouth Caring’s Dee Nutt said: ‘Beryl was a special woman who also made the most delicious chocolate cake. Our condolences go to her family.’

Dr Shatwell leaves two sons, Tim and Nick, and a granddaughter, Georgia.