From "The Friend," 8 May 1953; transcription sent by James Troup to Margaret Troupe about 1985

Lilian Troup

Lancaster Friends joined Wyresdale people to remember Lilian Troup (who died on March 12, aged 69) in the lovely Meeting House among the fells where she had worshipped from 1931 to 1943, while she was Head mistress of Over Wyresdale Friends School. She had come from a Teaching post in Lincolnshire to this small country school, and for the remainder of her professional life she loved and tended her little group.

We were reminded that it was in no small measure due to her that the Meeting continued; her unflagging attendance, her quietly inspiring ministry, and her careful work as Clerk, carried it through some of the dark days of the War. Visiting Friends recalled the warmth of her welcome and her deep gratitude for their presence at Meeting. Walter Wilkinson and his wife, on tour with puppets through Lancashire, found shelter at her house, and delighted the "brave and gracious Miss Troup" by entertaining her school children next morning.

The local Women's Institute was almost moribund when she became its secretary; with patience, quiet determination and unfailing faith she worked; she left it one of the most flourishing.

Her courage was amazing; she dwelt through long winters alone. In one of the worst War winters she trudged 2 miles through deep snow to carry extra blankets to a group of conscientious objectors whom she heard were none too well provided in their encampment. She helped them in their chores, and she cared for them in the best Quaker sense; she provided them with an anchor in life at the moment when their whole environment was becoming meaningless.

Hers was a life of service---simple, continued devotion in practising her Quaker faith amongst members of a community upon which her influence was strong, where it continued long after she left it. She had passed on at the end of another period of service---when she should have lived in retirement, she felt called to move into Northumberland (Rothbury) to provide a home for 2 nephews.

We were indeed glad of the opportunity to remember her good life and to thank God for having been enriched by her presence amongst us.