Amateur actress who played opposite a former James Bond

Keen amateur drama actress Margaret Pooley who played opposite a former James Bond died on 19 February, 2008, aged 73.

As a member of the Belper Players, Mrs Pooley was the first woman to appear alongside former Bond star Timothy Dalton when, in 1964, she played his girlfriend in a production of Billy Liar.

Mrs Pooley died suddenly of a blood clot at her home in Duffield, Derbyshire.

Her husband of 47 years, Roy, paid tribute to his wife who he described as "a modest woman who always had time for anyone".

The couple, who met on a canoeing holiday in the Wye Valley, moved to Derby from London in 1961.

In 1972, Mrs Pooley, who had a love of horses, helped to set up the Mid-Derbyshire Branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association, where she led weekly sessions.

The group had to borrow ponies, a horse box and a field before they moved to an indoor school building at Tansley.

Mrs Pooley helped out with fundraising and helped groups at the centre every week right up to her death.

She had a 40-year association with the Belper Players. Billy Liar was the first production Timothy Dalton appeared in after he left school in Belper.

As well as appearing alongside Mr Dalton, Mrs Pooley played numerous other roles. Most recently she played Lady Bracknell in a production of The Importance of Being Ernest.

"She was very modest but I was always proud of her," said Mr Pooley.

Mrs Pooley was also a volunteer for the Samaritans, working weekly and taking calls at the centre in Burton Road, Derby.

"She was always a good one for stepping in for other people if they had problems. That was part of her nature," said Mr Pooley, 72.

"It was quite traumatic for her at times, but she just lived her life to help others."

Mrs Pooley was also a member of the Amber Valley Ramblers Association. Despite having a hip replacement 10 years ago, she walked regularly with the group on Wednesdays and Sundays.

"She loved walking," said Mr Pooley.

Gerry White, chairman of the association, said Mrs Pooley would be sadly missed. He added in a tribute:  "She was very active with us and quite a unique character. Her company will be missed by everyone because of who she was."

Mrs Pooley was also survived by three children – Nigel, Michael and Jean – and six grandchildren, Sam, 21, Madeline, 19, Freddie, 17, Greg, 14, Emma, 14 and Mathew, ten.