All towns have at least one eccentric resident who is known throughout the area and Camberley is no exception.
Kate Ward, or Camberley Kate, as she is affectionately nicknamed, was well known to residents, until her death in the '70s.
She was a dog lover who rescued any stray pup that was sent her way and estimates indicate she cared for more than 600 dogs in her lifetime.
Although she may be gone, her memory lives on around the globe.
A local vet called Geoffrey Craddock, supplied Kate's charges with the necessary veterinary care from 1954 until her death in 1979, aged 84.
According to him, "All the dogs were incredibly healthy and they lived to a ripe old age. She had great humour, great character, and great determination. I shall miss her very much indeed".
She did have her detractors though and complaints were made about the number of dogs she owned, the animal's welfare and her somewhat eccentric behaviour.
However, the police were very supportive of her and even helped work out the easiest route for her daily trip to town, to ensure she could travel safely.
Despite not being personally wealthy, living day to day on her small pension, she apparently also gave anonymous financial gifts to those she considered less well off than herself.
She also set up a trust fund to care for her remaining dogs after her death.
Ill health took its toll and after moving to Kingsclear residential home in Park Road, Kate died on 4th August 1979.
22 авг 2024
