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.
Image Credits: Dr Fanny Baldwin from Rye Gallery Permanent Collection , Anthony Kimber .
Very sadly another Rye indomitables has gone. I have very fond memories of Betty who indeed had a remarkable wartime career. When she moved from Telford Court she presented to Rye Art Gallery the wonderful portrait of her painted in 1942 which is now part of the permanent collection. It was a very memorable morning listening to her talk about what she did at Dover Castle and the origins of this portrait.
Lovely tribute to Betty. I remember her at private views and art events in Rye: incredible clothes and such an interesting person to chat to. What an amazing portrait by Christine Young – be lovely to see it displayed at Rye Art Gallery.
Oh as an aside does anyone know what has happened to Barry Rivers shop? He seems to have been out on electrical business for many years now.
The portrait of Betty by Christine Young (painted in 1942) is now on display in Rye Art Gallery – do come and see it, along with the RSA Spring Exhibition that opens tomorrow.
Excellent – thank you
The Gallery has advised us that the portrait will be on display from today as a tribute to this remarkable lady. Unfortunately we were unable to find anything about the artist, Christine Young which is a great shame.
Thank you all for your kind words and thank you also to the Gallery for the tribute. A mother to be proud of.
A little late, but I must correct an inaccuracy. Mr and Mrs Ellwood opened a shop on Market Road, not Cinque Port Street as described, Barry Rivers worked for them until he left and opened a shop on Cinque Port Street. I know this as I worked for them in the seventies. I first started with day release from school and then went full time, aged fifteen, (you could leave school at fifteen in the early seventies). I have only fond memories of working there, they were good employers who paid for my driving lessons which I rewarded them with passing the first time. They would take me to the London radio shows and a restaurant for food which was all covered by them. I would collect any brochures I could lay my hands on and was only praised as Mr Ellwood would take from me what only what he required for the shop. I served as an apprentice with them until 1977 when I left to start my own business which I continued until my retirement at the end of 1920. RIP both of you.