Barnoldswick town pays tribute to ‘missed’ florist (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Barnoldswick town pays tribute to ‘missed’ florist

3:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

A BENCH in memory of the ‘driving force’ of Barnoldswick’s retail community has been unveiled.

Gail Usher, 53, who ran House of Flowers, in Frank Street, died in her sleep at her home in Whalley in April.

Miss Usher, who was a leading member of the Chamber of Trade and Rotary Club in the town, celebrated the 20-year anniversary of opening the shop earlier this year by giving away daffodils to customers.

Her shop was renowned for its window displays to celebrate events such as St George’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

Coun Jenny Purcell, who had known Miss Usher since she opened the shop, said: “It is a beautiful bench, it was very moving when it was unveiled and it looks fantastic with flowers next to it.

“I’ve known Gail for a long time and it still doesn’t feel the same without her about in the town. She was so well known in Barnoldswick and did so much for the area and will be sadly missed.

“This is a nice way to remember her and ensure she will be remembered, because she will never be forgotten.”

Miss Usher had been a florist since 1976 and was student of the year two years running during her training in Wakefield, Manchester and London.

She established House of Flowers in 1992 and also did freelance work which took her to Hong Kong, Belgium, Iceland, Portugal, Italy and the USA.

She enjoyed driving sports cars and rode a Harley Davidson motorbike, as well as playing tennis and attending dance classes.

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