Tributes to Rishton woman who served the community for decades

Iris Presho died in hospital aged 76 after a short illness. Born Alice Iris Clements, she was best known and loved for the corner shop she took over in Parker Street with husband Allan in 1968.

Iris would serve hot sandwiches and pastries to workers at Wheatfield Mill across the road, who piled into the shop during break times. Her famed pies and peas were loved by residents across the town and Iris would also cater for parties and functions.

When the pair retired in 1999, the shop was converted into the home they shared for the next 14 years.

Resident Paul Wilkinson said: “Even after 14 years people remembered her. She was like a second mother, she was a mother to everyone. She was a wonderful lady.”

Coun Ken Moss announced Mrs Prisho’s death on the ‘Rishton First’ Facebook group and said she would be ‘very fondly remembered’. More than 40 messages of condolences were left by residents on the social networking site.

Philip Haworth wrote: “So sad, thoughts are with Allan and the family.” Neighbour Crystal Atkinson added: ”You couldn’t get any neighbours better than Allan and Iris, two of the most lovely people I have ever met.”

And Janet Green said: “For 22 years Allan and Iris provided our lunches for work. [They baked] the best ever tea cakes and whimberry pies in the world, and they did the catering for my youngest son’s christening nearly 18 years ago, fondly remembered.”

A minute’s silence was also held at Rishton’s Area Council meeting last week.

Iris is survived by her husband of 55 years, Allan, sons David, Michael and Ian, four grandchildren and younger sister Kathleen.

A funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium on Monday (29TH) at 1pm.