Tree planted in the Byes in memory of 108-year-old former Sidmouth resident

A tree has been planted in the Byes in memory of a local woman who lived in Sidmouth for more than 90 years.

Gertrude Hindley, known as 'Topsy', passed away at the age of 108 on 7 March 2021. Topsy was also a former resident of Doveleigh Care Ltd's Sidmouth care home, Arcot House, for over six years.

The decision to plant a tree in her memory was made by her nephew Richard Hindley and an area of the Byes where she used to walk her dogs was chosen as a fitting location.

A fountain in the shape of a dog has also been donated to Arcot House by Topsy's family in her memory.

Mr Hindley said: "Topsy spent a great deal of time exercising her dogs with walks in the Byes in Sidmouth which was just up the road from where she lived. It was a very popular area which Topsy frequented at least once a day and sometimes more if she was exercising dogs. Topsy founded the Sidmouth Animal Rescue over 40 years ago and devoted much of her life to looking after dogs."

The tree is a Prunus Avium cherry tree, Topsy's favourite, and will be looked after by the volunteer group Friends of The Byes.

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