Plaque to remember ‘Kath’s Corner’
A Fridaythorpe resident who transformed a small piece of wasteland in the village into a much-loved garden for all to enjoy has been remembered with a memorial plaque.
Before she sadly passed away in May 2019, Kath Dyson had lovingly tended to an area of land on Back Street in Fridaythorpe, affectionately known as Kath’s Corner, for over five years, filling the plot with various shrubs and plants, an act which was gratefully appreciated by her fellow villagers.
Unable to look after the garden himself, John, Kath’s husband, has ensured the patch will remain a cherished asset to the village after employing a local gardening firm to preserve it in a form that requires little maintenance.
The garden now also has another special feature – a wooden post with ‘Kath’s Corner’ engraved on it – meaning Kath’s work will never be forgotten.
The plaque was unveiled on Sunday 27th October and John told the Wolds Weekly that he believes it is a fitting tribute to Kath and would like to thank the people who have made the memorial possible.
“Kath started the garden over five years ago,” he said. “She created it because that’s how she was – she was always doing something.
“It was an untidy area of the village and Kath wanted to sort it out. She planted lots of different shrubs and maintained it daily.
“However, when she passed away, it was too much for me to do, as I’m not really a gardener.
“She was always happy doing what she loved. I would go all over on holiday but she would hardly ever come with me and preferred to stay in Fridaythorpe.
“Kath loved animals of all kinds. I’m sure she would have even found some good in a rattlesnake.
“She bought four ferrets as pets and wouldn’t leave them. I even had a photograph of her ferrets on the order of service at the funeral.
“Kath was due to take on a hearing dog puppy to walk when she retired. Sadly, she never knew.
“The collection at the funeral was donated to the Hearing Dogs for the deaf.
“I’d like to thank Dave and Diane Potter, from Driffield, who have done a great job on the garden, and Sharon Johns, who was the person who came up with the idea of the plaque.
“The parish council should also be thanked as it gave us permission to put the plaque up.
“Kath would help anybody. That was her way and I am thankful for the whole village, and those from further afield, for putting their support behind this.
“I hope it’s a fitting tribute.”
Alison Spencer, a former member of Fridaythorpe Parish Council, added: “Kath also helped neighbours, particularly a gentleman who wasn’t able to walk to the shop.
“She was really good like that. We coined the phrase Kath’s Corner for the garden around five years ago when one of the parish councillors thanked her for creating it at an AGM and I’ve called it that ever since.
“We, as a village, are grateful to John for everything he has done. What he has done will keep the village looking lovely.”
