Ada Fisher of Thurning in north Norfolk dies aged 99

Ada Fisher, of Thurning, near Holt, was chosen by the late monarch to receive the Maundy Money in recognition of her contribution to her local church. 

A warden at St Andrew’s for 55 years, she also held numerous events raising over £100,000 with the help of other parishioners.   

She was born Ada Fuller in Trunch, near North Walsham, on April 18, 1924. 

Her father worked on a farm, and she had vivid memories of taking out harvest meals to the fields when everyone stopped for a hot lunch with their families. 

Aged 18, she joined the Women’s Land Army and began working on the Lord Hastings Estate at Melton Constable Park where, during the harvest, her day would start at 5.30am and usually end at 10.30pm. 

Her main tasks were to take care of the Red Poll cows that she milked twice a day and in the summer months, she would hoe sugar beet and turn hay by hand. She also recalled riding to the farm on a wagon pulled by Suffolk Punch horses. 

During this time, she met her husband-to-be, John Fisher, on VE day at a dance.  

They were married in 1949 and Rookery Farm in Thurning became Mrs Fisher’s home. Together, they had three children; Richard and twins, Martin and Anne. 

She quickly became involved in farm life and helped with many tasks including book-keeping. 

She also became very involved in St Andrews Church, holding an administration post throughout her time as warden. 

A keen gardener, she was a founding member of Holt Flower Club in 1962 and remained on the committee to become its president until its closure in 2021. 

Mrs Fisher was also a member of a local farm’s women's club.  

A widow, Mrs Fisher died on September 18 aged 99. She leaves behind her children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. 

Her funeral took place at St Andrews on October 5 where donations for the church were collected in her memory.