Local businesses have spoken of their honour in being asked to play a part in a service to celebrate the incredible life of local icon Dame Vivienne Westwood. 

The legendary fashion designer and campaigner sadly passed away on 29 December at the age of 81, surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London. 

She lived her earliest years at Millbrook, between Hollingworth and Tintwistle, and later moved to the sub-post office at Manchester Road in Tintwistle, where her parents were post masters. 

After she attended the local village school, Vivienne won a scholarship to Glossop Grammar School, where she excelled at art.

Vivienne also began to show her keen sense of fashion when she turned up to a school dance in a Suzy Wong style dress she had made herself. At the age of 17, her family moved from the area down to Harrow, near London.

Following her death, people from all over the world paid tribute to her.

A service of Thanksgiving of Life was held for her at Christ Church in Tintwistle on 9 January. 

The church was dressed beautifully with Harris Tweed and flowers were arranged and displayed by Glossop’s Norris Floristry.

Dame Vivienne Westwood 

The church also smelled absolutely divine courtesy of candles by Padfield business Essentialiese while there was music from Arnfield Brass and The Pennine Singers.

The Bull’s Head in Tintwistle provided a venue and delicious food for the wake, which was very much enjoyed by the members of the funeral party.  

Hartington Cheese Shop also provided a ‘High Peak’ Cheese Board and chutneys and sauces were sourced from local business Daddy Cool.

Pixie Bakes in Tintwistle also supplied cakes that they had baked for the occasion. 

Emily and Jean Scriven, from the cakery and coffee shop on New Road, said: "A couple of weeks ago we, here at Pixie Bakes in Tintwistle, received a message we never dreamed in a million years we’d receive…the organisers of the funeral of local lass and icon, Dame Vivienne Westwood, wanted us to bake cakes for her wake.

"Being an environmentally conscious business, we have always truly admired Dame Vivienne and her stance on environmental issues and climate change amongst other things, so to be asked to play a role within her funeral was such a privilege and an honour we will never forget. 

"Local lady, Sara Scott-Rivers, set to work doing an incredible job of liaising with the family and other organisers to put together a funeral worthy of Dame Vivienne, keeping her wishes at the forefront at all times. 

"All in all we think Tintwistle as a village should be proud to have pulled together so amazingly well for this wonderful lady who never forgot her roots and loved the area so very much. Well done Tinsle!" 

Anneliese Briffa runs Essentialiese - an eco friendly business established in January 2017 which sells hand poured home fragrance products - including natural plant-based waxes that are cruelty-free and vegan friendly.

She said she felt "so honoured" to be asked to supply the candles for the service. 

"I didn't quite believe what I was reading when I received the email," Anneliese said. "A friend of mine, Sara Scott-Rivers, was helping with all the arrangements and informed me that the family wanted to involve local businesses at the event and my products were a perfect match because myself and Vivienne shared the same eco-conscious ethos." 

Anneliese believes Vivienne was loved by so many people in the area and will be missed. 

"She was admired for many things including her activism speaking out in a very positive way," she added. "She wanted change, a peaceful earth and to stop climate change. Vivienne had a very upbeat and honest approach to what she believed in.

"People admired her quirkiness and devotion to fashion including her punk collections and her gorgeous tartans and tweeds. Her honesty shone through. She was just an genuine and beautiful soul. She will be very sadly missed." 

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