The co-founder of Eastham Country Park’s Mimosa Tea Garden and Art Gallery died this month

Feb 16 2011 by Matt Hurst, Bromborough and Bebington News

THE co-founder of Eastham’s Mimosa Tea Garden and Art Gallery died peacefully in Arrowe Park Hospital this month.

Dorothy Hawke, a popular figure with nature lovers, ramblers and walkers, was 91 when she died on February 5.

More than 40 years ago, Dorothy and her late husband Searle established the tea garden and gallery at their home in the middle of Eastham Country Park.

When a decision was made to reopen the park in 1971, Dorothy and Searle were invited by the council to serve teas and refreshments to local walkers, and Mimosa started from there.

In the 19th century, the park was a popular Victorian pleasure centre for day-tripping families and also boasted a zoo with lions, tigers and bears.

Dorothy and Searle, a gardener, and their daughter, Patricia lived in the cottage on Green Lane in the heart of the woods.

The house was the original dwelling of the park and zoo owners.

Transformed into Mimosa, Dorothy continued to greet guests from 1971 until the end of last summer.

A funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Eastham at 1pm on Friday.