A PROLIFIC photographer who captured village events in Goostrey through her camera lens has been commended for creating a ‘fantastic legacy’.

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Jean Smallwood, 94, was celebrated by Rev Canon Christine Broad, vicar of St Luke’s Parish Church.

Jean was a former cook at Goostrey village school for 25 years among her many and varied interests and tasks.

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She was one of nine children born at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire but lived in the village at Rose Cottage for most of her life.

Knutsford Guardian: Photographer and author Jean SmallwoodPhotographer and author Jean Smallwood (Image: Supplied)

She came to Cheshire as a young woman to work at Murgatroyds in Middlewich and met her husband, Colin, literally by accident at Crewe Station.

In a tribute to their mum, James and Stewart Smallwood revealed how she was at the station waiting for a train when a gentleman took a nasty tumble and she went to his aid.

"We don't know how their relationship developed but it says a lot that they got married," said James.

He described how Jean was not afraid to tackle any job around the home or for local events and her cooking skills were renowned among children at the school.

She introduced them to dishes they had never eaten before such as spaghetti bolognese and Goostrey hotpot.

Her family nicknamed her ‘snap happy Sally" because of the thousands of photographs she had taken.

Her moment of fame came in 2000 when she published her book ‘Goostrey Remembered’ with the help of late husband, Colin.

Knutsford Guardian: Jean Smallwood with late husband Colin at the launch of her book 'Goostrey Remembered'Jean Smallwood with late husband Colin at the launch of her book 'Goostrey Remembered' (Image: Smallwood family archive)

Filled with old and contemporary photographs of life in the community, it forms a lasting legacy.

The publication is no longer in print but copies continue to be collected with one currently being offered by an online seller for £80.

Goostrey Parish Archive is working on a follow-up book which will contain many of the pictures and material produced by Jean and held in the collection at the village hall.

"She had a 'can do attitude' and was a Jack of all trades and master of them all and we benefited," said James, in the eulogy given on behalf of the family.