Betty Ellwood has died, age 102. Though secluded for many of her last years in nursing homes, her memory will remain fresh in the minds of those who knew her.
Betty’s life was changed by the Second World War when, in her early twenties, she served as one of the first female wireless operators, stationed at Dover Castle. After the war, she met and married Maurice Ellwood, a New Zealander who had trained as an electrician. Together they opened a shop in Cinque Ports Street in the premises now owned by Barry Rivers, their former apprentice. In retirement, Maurice worked at the Heritage Centre and then as an attendant at Rye Museum, whilst Betty pursued her interest in the visual arts as a volunteer at the Rye Art Gallery.
Betty assiduously attended social events as one of the vintage era of Rye ladies, Rosemary Bagley, Priscilla Ryan and Audrey Bartlett to name but a few. With her keen sense of colour, she was known for her elegant clothes, her trademark broad-rimmed hats, often crowned with a floral display. When she was living in Telford Court, Eagle Road, a whole room became her wardrobe and she was rarely seen twice in completely the same outfit.
Betty was shrewd and critical at times, and had a good head for financial statements and accounts. She would be amongst the first to ask a pertinent question at Rye Festival literary events. She was passionate about things she cared for and forthright in expressing her opinions.
Betty never drove a car, relying on her friends for transport. She met with an accident one year, perhaps by then in her eighties, crossing the road by the railway station. Struck by a lorry, she suffered a broken pelvis, which would have finished a less redoubtable person of her age. But Betty’s character was nothing if not determined and she staged a recovery, admitting only to an onset of deafness, which could be embarrassing at times.
At length, she removed to Peasmarsh Place, never yielding her reputation as one of the queens of Rye, a role she accomplished with good humour, and a genuine modesty which earned the respect and affection of those who knew her.
