Following a sudden heart attack during the night she died at 11am on Sunday morning, December 22, and since then tributes have been flooding in for ‘Frosty’ the local lady who greeted everyone with a smile and who will be surely missed.
To many, Margaret was the friendly face behind the counter at the Rustic Tea Gardens at Northcott Mouth, having run and served its infamous almighty cream teas since 1963. But she got involved with many other local organisations over the years and became an integral part of the community.
She was the president of the Bude Carnival Committee, fundraised to open a holiday home to provide respite for injured ex-servicemen, raised thousands for Bude Town Band, and remained a dedicated committee member for the band. She also gave great support to Bude Rotary Club, supplied refreshments and entertainment for walkers taking part in the Great Atlantic Charity Walk, fundraised for the RNLI and provided lunch for the lifeguards. Additionally, Margaret was a committee member of the Bude, Stratton and District Cancer Research organisation, through which she helped raise more than £30,000.
Speaking on behalf of Bude & Stratton Royal British Legion, Godfrey W Harrison said Margaret had been a great supporter of the branch, having collected for the Poppy Appeal for more than 50 years. “The branch members of Bude & Stratton Royal British Legion were saddened to learn of the sudden death of Margaret Frost. She was a supporter of our branch, braving inclement weather every year in aid of the Poppy Appeal.
“It was only in October of this year that I had the pleasure of presenting her with the Legion Gold Badge for fifty years of collecting for the appeal. She annually attended Shalder Hill to lay a wreaths for Bude Town Band and also a personal tribute. RIP Margaret.”
It was because of all this hard work and dedication to her home town that Margaret was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2011 and later in 2017 was presented with the British Empire Medal as part of the Queen’s Honours list.
The mayor of Bude, Cllr Bob Willingham told the Post Margaret’s passing is a ‘huge loss for the town’ and as a sign of respect the flags on Shalder Hill and at the Royal British Legion were being flown at half mast.
In tribute to her and all she has done for Bude over the years, Cllr Willingham said: “Margaret Frost, a true legend.
“A lady with a heart of gold who has contributed unstintingly to the local community in so many ways.
“Fifty-five years supporting Bude town band; jumble sales, auctions, helping with musical events, selling all kinds of items to raise money for the band.
“If you came to Bude in November Margaret would have sold you an Armistice poppy, working through the British Legion for 50 years and president of the Bude Carnival. She was the Bude Citizen of the Year in 2011 and received the BEM in the 2017 Queen’s Honours list.
“A stream of abuse, an irresistible smile and world famous laugh would greet you when you went for a cream tea in the Rustic Tea Garden at Northcott Mouth. Here she has raised hundreds of pounds for all worthy causes, local organisations and individuals.
“She didn’t suffer fools lightly, however being a local girl, through her knowledge, energy and compassion she would stand by anyone in their time of need.
“Part of the fabric of Bude is missing. They don’t come any better than Margaret.”
This sentiment was shared by a number of locals who took to social media to express their sorrow at the passing of a beloved member of the local community.
Terri Mitchell, of Bude, and her husband Ian are regular customers of the Rustic Tea Gardens and were sad to hear of Margaret’s passing. Terri said: “Such sad news. This lady was Bude! A huge character with a warmth that she spread far and wide. Rest easy Margaret.”
Margaret was well known for her compassion and Terri said she was ‘truly wonderful’ when a young homeless man found himself in need. Terri added: “I also got involved in helping a young homeless lad who was sleeping rough at Northcott, Margaret was wonderful, she kept him fed and watered and gave him warmth and kindness. A truly wonderful and special lady.”
Kath Brabbins, of Stratton, hailed Margaret as a ‘Queen of Bude’, a title many bestowed upon her. Kath said: “What a shock. If ever there was a Queen of Bude, it was Margaret. Huge heart, huge personality, and the kindest lady. Love and condolences to her family and all those who knew and loved her. RIP Margaret.”
Katie Ilsley from Kilkhampton agreed: “The queen of Bude, you will never be forgotten.
“I saw her in her pink glittery hat looking like she was having a wonderful time with the brass band yesterday [December 21]. A wonderful lady. Condolences to all her family.”
l A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at Bude Methodist Church on Saturday, January 11 at 11am.
To further celebrate her life, the Falcon Hotel is collecting photographs and images of Margaret to create a slide show for her wake, which will then be gifted to her family.
If you can help, please email photos of Margaret to [email protected] and they will do the rest.
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