By Duncan Atkins

Copyright thescarboroughnews

Born into a family of 10 children, and having worked in Music Halls with her father, Wynne joined a circus at 15 years old and worked in Holland and the UK, becoming notable for riding elephants, and also performing as a bareback horse rider among other skills on many famous circuses. Having met her late husband John Shearme, a manager on Bertram Mills Circus, he proposed after six weeks in Peasholm Park in Scarborough where the circus was visiting on tour. Many years later they relocated to Scarborough with their children as a perfect home location. The family was still involved in theatre but then branched into hotels where Wynne learned even more new skills. After the early death of her husband she joined her son Jon, a partner in the set-up of Qdos Etertainment, where she ran the wardrobe department. This evolved as the company expanded to travelling extensively in the UK and abroad for productions, becoming a loved and respected member of the business. She also threw herself into charity work with the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings in London, fundraising both there, Blackpool and Scarborough, hosting famous showbusiness lunches along with her son Jon Conway and the late Tony Peers, ensuring local causes benefitted. She became a Freeman of the City of London in 1992 and Lady Ratling of the year shortly after. After retiring at 76 years old she remained focused on her charity work when possible for many years. Her last performance was in the award-winning film Grimaldi at the age of 86, written by her son Jon and grandson Jordan Conway. Wynne had become a legend in the world of circus and showbusiness and was always the most glamorous and generous of ladies and her family are touched by the number of messages and accolades received in the last few days. Wynne is survived by her daughter Diane and husband Philippe, children Gemma and Ben and four great grandchildren, son Jon and grandson Jordan, also her remaining sister Pat.