FINAL farewells have been paid to a much loved actress who represented Dorset’s last living link to Thomas Hardy.

Around 150 people filled the United Church in Dorchester to celebrate the life of Norrie Woodhall, who died last month at the age of 105.

Lord Fellowes of West Stafford was among those to pay tribute to a woman who performed with the original Hardy Players under the writer’s direction.

The Downton Abbey creator met Norrie in 2005 when she realised her dream of reviving the Hardy Players and also campaigned with her to secure a portrait for Hardy’s home at Max Gate and to secure the Hardy manuscripts for the Dorset County Museum.

Lord Fellowes, who is president of the Thomas Hardy Society, said: “More than anything else Norrie was a lesson in the life-giving properties of curiosity and passion.

“That Norrie would see these difficult goals through and take them to a successful conclusion at the respective ages of 101 and 104, will only come as a surprise to those who never knew her.

“She never lost her passion, she never lost her enthusiasm and she never lost her humour.”

The service was led by The Reverend Dr John Travell and also featured performances by the New Hardy Players as well as a recording of an interview of Norrie conducted by Lord Fellowes as part of the Hardy manuscript campaign was also shown.

In a recorded tribute Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm, who was unable to attend the service, praised Norrie’s remarkable efforts after her 100th birthday, which also included co-writing a play on Hardy’s life and writing two books on her own life.

He said: “To have achieved all that Norrie did and to have left such a valuable and tangible legacy is something of which many of us would have been proud. To have done so much of that in the years following her 100th birthday is truly extraordinary.

“I shall remember Norrie with fondness, admiration and respect. We have all lost a champion, but Norrie’s example will inspire us for many years to come.”

Devina Symes paid tribute on behalf of the New Hardy Players, saying: “We as a group all feel so fortunate to have known Norrie and so very privileged to have shared those last special years with her.

“Norrie was a remarkable and special lady. We miss her very much and will never forget her.”

Norrie’s great nephew Michael Toms thanked everyone who spoken so fondly of her and also praised the nurses and others who had cared for his great auntie so that she could remain in her home as long as possible.

He added: “In her case I think the statement life begins at 100 probably is true.

“I think it’s the end of an era.”