Rosemary Snell: tributes to woman killed in landslip

A Somerset woman whose body was found in a car buried in a landslip in Dorset has been described as a "stalwart" of the Women's Institute.

Rosemary Snell and an unnamed man are believed to have died in the crush at the Beaminster Tunnel on Monday.

Ms Snell, who was in her 60s, was well-known in the village of Misterton, near Crewkerne where she lived.

One villager said: "She had a magnificent spirit and was most enjoyable company socially.

"Everyone will be terribly shocked by this."

Ms Snell was involved in the local Women's Institute and was a trustee of the Henhayes Community Centre in Crewkerne.

Tim Udall, a fellow trustee, described Ms Snell as "wonderful" and said she had an "outgoing personality".

'Quiz ace'

David Welsh, chairman of Misterton Parish Council, described Ms Snell as an extremely reliable and well-organised person.

Mr Welsh said: "She was extremely knowledgeable. In all the village quizzes she always had the most points for knowledge on general subjects."

He added that Ms Snell was "very active" with a "lively brain" and "tremendous company".

Ms Snell was also a registered London tour guide and a member of The Guild of Guide Lecturers.

Mr Welsh said concern was raised when Ms Snell had not turned up for some engagements.

Police were contacted and they started an investigation.

Ms Snell and her unnamed companion, who is described as in his 70s from Taunton, were traced to the Dorset area on 7 July when a landslip blocked the road.

Their car was discovered under mounds of earth near the Beaminster Tunnel on Monday.

It is believed to have been buried for more than a week.