DOROTHY CORNELL 1925-2024

One of Bulmer’s most beloved residents died in late November 2024, six months before her 100th birthday
Dorothy Cornell spent her childhood in Gestingthorpe, where she attended the village school. She then worked on local farms, milking cows and delivering the milk in a pony-cart around local villages—a role she continued in World War II, as part of the Land Army.

In 1946 she married Jack Cornell whose parents had kept the Bulmer ‘Cock and Blackbirds’ and whose father had also operated a traction engine and threshing machine.

Initially living in Belchamp Otten, the couple soon moved to Bulmer, before taking on the tenancy of a small farm in little Maplestead, which they were later to buy.

Following Jack's death in 1988, Dorothy eventually moved back to Bulmer, living in Park Lane, not far from where she had lived 60 years before! For over four decades she was a most devoted member of Bulmer History Group, attending almost every single meeting, whilst similarly enjoying afternoons with the Skylarks.

She will be forever remembered for her happy disposition, friendly chuckle and gift of finding laughter in almost any situation. No one ever met Dorothy without feeling ‘lifted’ and coming away a happier person. Ashley Cooper