A woman with a keen interest in Medieval history who played a central role in organising many memorable spectacles in Cumbria and further afield has died at the age of 68.
Elaine Waite, of Kirkby Stephen, had a long-standing interest in Medieval re-enactment and chaired the Red Wyvern Society, in which capacity she organised re-enactments across England and Scotland, including many in Cumbria. The venues included the castles at Brougham, Kendal and Muncaster.
She took part in battle re-enactments as an archer but was best known for her depiction of Lord John Clifford’s cook, which saw her prepare authentic Medieval food, such as whole suckling pigs, over an open fire, often for dozens of people and sometimes hundreds — frequently in bad weather.
The daughter of the late George and Ellen Cooper, she was born and brought up at Crofton, West Yorkshire. She had three older brothers, Alan, Brian and Graham, and a younger sister, Helen.
It was in 1983 that she met her future husband Adrian Waite, who was working in the Wakefield area, and the couple were married the following year.
She was at that time working at the Hornsea Centre, in East Yorkshire — a residential educational establishment — where, with the title of matron, she had charge of cooking and other domestic arrangements. She also worked for a time as cook in charge at Newton Hill School, in Wakefield.
The couple went on to have three children, Amy, born in Wakefield in 1985; Adam, born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1988; and Anna, born at Stafford in 1990. Elaine became a full-time mother in 1985 and remained so until 1995. The family moved to Frizington, in West Cumbria, in 1994.
Following this, Elaine became a parent governor and vice-chairwoman of the governors at Frizington Primary School as well as running the local Brownies.
Having already been involved in a Medieval re-enactment society in Stafford, she, along with Adrian, also set up the Red Wyvern Society. She acted as events organiser and chaired the society.
The couple also joined a local archery club. Most members of this used modern three-piece bows made from the latest materials, but, in keeping with Elaine’s interest in all things Medieval, she shot with a traditional longbow.
Elaine started working as a teaching assistant in 1995, initially at Wyndham School in Egremont. She specialised in helping pupils with learning difficulties.
The family moved to Murton, near Appleby, in 1999. Elaine worked as a teaching assistant at Beaconside Junior School, Penrith, from then until 2007.
She went on to become company secretary with AWICS Limited, a management consultancy business she owned jointly with Adrian. As well as handing company administration, her responsibilities included organising conferences and seminars on local government and housing.
Having moved to Bongate, Appleby, in 2012, a further move took place in 2021, to a bungalow in Kirkby Stephen.
Away from work she had a number of interests, including cooking and sewing, both of which came into play in her involvement with re-enactment. She did demonstrations of medieval cookery at several schools, including Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.
She followed rugby — her three brothers all played the league version — and enjoyed camping and caravanning holidays. The family visited a number of countries, including Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Ireland.
She enjoyed reading historical novels and also played darts for the Hare and Hounds pub in Appleby.
She was on the parents’ association committee at Appleby Primary School and did things for the group, including frying all the burgers on Bonfire Night.
A dedicated mother, she gave great support to her children, including battling to ensure her daughter Anna received the specialist assistance she needed to overcome her dyslexia.
She also encouraged Anna and Adam when they formed a band, Pegasi, organising things and driving them around.
Unfortunately, Elaine suffered problems with mobility and declining health during the last few years of her life which restricted what she could do, but she continued to organise things and stay in touch with a wide circle of friends as much as she was able.
She is survived by her husband Adrian, Kirkby Stephen; daughter Amy, Peel, Isle of Man; son Adam, Church Fenton, near Leeds; daughter Anna, Scarborough; and brothers Alan and Graham. She had four grandchildren, Aedan, Eila, Alfie and George.
The funeral service is to be held at the crematorium at Temple Sowerby on January 17 at 2pm. Walkers Funeral Directors, Penrith, have charge of
arrangements.
