Daphne Fiddler Hundreds attend funeral of woman who ran Huddersfield’s first Caribbean takeway

Freda and family wish to thank most sincerely all relatives, friends and neighbours for their kind expressions of sympathy and cards of condolence received in their recent sad bereavement. The presence of so many at Charlie's funeral service was a great support to us all and much appreciated as are the donations given for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Grateful thanks to Rev Nancy Ndoho for her visit, kind words and comforting service. UNDREDS of people attended the funeral of the co-owner of Huddersfield’s first Caribbean takeaway on Wednesday.

Daphne Fiddler, who died aged 86, ran the Midway Cafe on Bradford Road with her husband Augustus for more than 30 years.

Customers travelled from Manchester, Leeds and Bradford to enjoy staples like curried goat and rice, beef, rice and peas and ‘soul food’.

Daphne came to the UK from Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1960.

She lived in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Bradford before settling in Huddersfield. She was affectionately known as ‘Mummy’ to many.

Whether you were a visiting cricket player like West Indies cricket legend Viv Richards or a musical artist like Aswad, Culture or The Selector you would find your way to the Midway cafe.

Daphne’s son Franklin said: “She used to open the cafe on Christmas Day for those who had no families around and was known for her generous servings and for making sure that no-one went hungry, even if you were short of money that day.

“She’ll leave a hole in the lives of her family and friends that will be impossible to fill.”

Daphne had nine children, five of whom survive her. She was also grandmother to 12 and great grandmother to nine.

The Midway was located at 16 Bradford Road and closed in 1996, when Daphne and Augustus retired.

The funeral was held at Elim Pentecostal Church in St John’s Road, Huddersfield. If you know someone who has led an unusual, extraordinary or interesting life, please let us know by ringing or emailing the newsdesk. We accept submitted photographs. We reserve the right to edit obituaries Email: Phone: