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Ghosts and burglars at Leeds stately home
THEY'VE seen off brawny burglars and paranormal prowlers in their 60 years at a Leeds historic home.
But Harry and Joyce Fisher have now called time on their very own Upstairs Downstairs drama at Lotherton Hall.
They have taken early retirement after dedicating almost all their working lives to the country pile.
Harry started back in 1972 as an attendant – complete with police-style uniform and peaked cap. He ended up as a supervisor.
Joyce joined as a cleaner in 1977 after a stint working at the nearby Aberford Almhouses – then a conservation centre for Leeds City Art Galleries.
Initially the couple lived in the gardener's cottage on the estate which was then occupied by the owner Lady Gascoigne.
While the neighbourhood was classy, they were also first port of call in times of trouble.
Harry, 63, of Aberford, said: "We'd get the first call if there were intruders. I chased them once or twice!"
The couple, who have two children, have very fond memories of the job – but also a few strange ones involving ghosts.
He said: "I've seen Black Michael, the family's poodle which used to live in the house in the 1940s and 50s. He's often been seem roaming around upstairs.
"I've also seen glimpses of the late Lady Gascoigne, who died in 1949. They're only fleeting images walking down the stairs, but I've seen her clearly enough. I've even heard her singing.
"In a house like Lotherton you just get used to it. It's not scary – it's a very friendly house.
"We'll be sorry to leave , but we're looking forward to retirement."
For Joyce, 58, that means gardening and for Harry, the theatre: he is treasurer of the Friends of the City Varieties and is helping to mastermind its refurbishment.
Today Leeds City Council leisure services boss Coun John Procter paid tribute to the pair. "It's very rare these days to find one person, let alone two, who have dedicated so much of their lives to an organisation or cause."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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