Tributes paid to Scarborough community champion Liz Blades MBE

Elizabeth Blades, known to many simply as Liz, dedicated countless hours to a host of Scarborough causes, and was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2021.

Paying tribute on their Facebook page, Scarborough Sea Cadets said: “Liz gave more than 30 years of devoted service to Scarborough Sea Cadets, where she served as Unit Treasurer.

“Her steadfast commitment, integrity, and tireless hard work were fundamental to the success and stability of the unit.

“Often working behind the scenes, Liz ensured generations of young people were supported, encouraged, and given opportunities to thrive.

“Liz’s dedication to service extended far beyond the Sea Cadets. A highly active member of the Castle Ward community, she gave countless hours to a wide range of local causes, including the Firemen’s and Fishermen’s Charity and the Friends of Dean Road Cemetery.

“Her commitment to preserving community heritage and supporting those in need reflected her deep love for Scarborough and its people.

“Proudly described as a true ‘bottom ender’, Liz embodied the spirit of Scarborough: resilient, humble, and quietly generous. She never sought recognition, yet she earned the respect and gratitude of all who knew her.

“Elizabeth Blades will be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was: kind, dependable, and unwavering in her commitment to others.

“Her legacy will live on in the organisations she supported, the community she loved, and the many lives she enriched.”

Liz first met husband-to-be Bill at the YMCA in Scarborough. Her friend asked him out on her behalf, and the couple shared their first date on Thursday, February 4, 1971.

“She was wearing a full-length maxi dress with a butterfly motif, she looked lovely,” said Bill.

The couple went out again the following day and again on the Saturday — after Bill had returned from watching the match between Macclesfield and his beloved Scarborough Athletic.

They married seven years later on February 4, 1978.

Liz spent a number of years working as part of the investment management team at Scarborough Building Society before taking voluntary redundancy and joining husband Bill at BL Car Parts Centre on South Cliff.

Bill said: “All of the locals knew us and kept coming back — they said we were the best in Scarborough, and we ran the business together for 26 years.

“If Liz decided to do something, she did it properly!”

In later life, Liz became a founder member of the Friends of Dean Road Cemetery, often giving guided walks in the summer — some of which were themed ‘pub landlords in the cemetery’, for example. Bill said: “She did so much research for these, and she always had a story about each one.

“If anyone wanted to know the location of a relative's grave, Liz would find it, photograph it, and send them a little map, often arranging to meet people to show them the exact location. We met so many lovely people.”

Liz will be buried in Dean Road Cemetery. “Everything has come together as she’d asked,” said Bill.

He recalled with affection Liz’s special presents, from a wonderful driving experience at North Bay Railway to a special blue plaque which sits proudly on the wall outside the Blades’ house: ‘Bill Blades, born 2/2/53 - beer expert and complete lunatic lives here’ — “She had a good sense of humour,” said Bill.

Bill recalled his wife’s affection for music. He said: “She loved music from the moment we got together. Initially it was Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles, but as she got older, she really took to G4, and she would travel to see them in concert all over.

“She would meet up with friends there, and they would get Meet and Greet tickets — her favourite was Jonathan Ansell, the blonde one. I didn’t stand much chance after that!

“She really loved to see them, Il Divo as well, and there will be a song by each of them at the service.”

Bill said that his wife’s love of Cocker Spaniels was also a large part of her life. The couple bought their first dog together in the 1970s and went on to adopt rescue dogs as time went by.

The animal rescue shelter in West Yorkshire eventually asked Liz to become an agent for home checks on the Yorkshire coast, and the couple visited many prospective owners.

Former Mayor of Scarborough and close friend Janet Jefferson paid tribute, saying: “Liz was a wonderful friend and a very kind person. I shall sincerely miss all the events we shared together, coupled with Bill and my Geoff.

“Liz's dedicated service and achievements, recognised with the Queen's MBE Award, will be a lasting memorial within our Scarborough community.”

The Leeds Arms said on their Facebook page: “For as many years as most of us can remember, Liz was front, centre — and often quietly in the background too — supporting and organising tirelessly for the Fishermen and Firemen Charity.

“A truly special lady, a friend to many, and someone whose kindness and dedication will be deeply missed.”

Liz is survived by husband Bill and the two dogs whom she adored, Pixie and Dixie.

Liz Blades’ funeral will take place at noon on Thursday, February 26, at St Mary’s Church.

The family has requested that those who plan to attend wear bright clothes.

Flowers are welcome, or donations to Scarborough Sea Cadets, the Fishermen and Firemen’s Charity, or Dean Road Cemetery.

Further enquiries: T L Chapman and Son, Scarborough.