Death of town stalwart Betty Grant
AN inaugrual recipient of the Freedom of the Town of Hungerford awards has died.
Elizabeth Josephine Grant – known universally as Betty – died at Coombe End Care Home, Marlborough, last Wednesday, aged 93.
She had lived, worked and volunteered all her life in and around Hungerford.
Mrs Grant was a teaching assistant at Hungerford Primary School for many years until retirement around 1987 and even quarter-of-a-century later was always acknowledged in the High Street by former pupils and their parents.
In 1965, she was elected to the Hungerford Royal British Legion services committee, to which she gave more than 40 years loyal service.
Mrs Grant also supported the Hungerford branch of the Royal British Legion women’s section for many years from its inception in the 1960s.
While on its local services committee she was accepted the post of welfare officer, assisting and advising those who were unwell or in need of support.
Mrs Grant also organised vouchers for elderly RBL members in need to spend on meat and groceries at Christmas.
During her time at the RBL she was given numerous awards and certificates for various achievements, including being a poppy seller for more than 50 years.
Mrs Grant joined Hungerford CHAIN in 1988 and soon became the charity’s main contact within the Hungerford community.
She went on to give more than 22 years service to the organisation.
Hungerford Rotary Club made Betty a Paul Harris Fellow – its highest award for service to the community.
Mrs Grant also managed the local Handy Bus visits to the hydrotherapy pool at Swindon.
In recognition of her many years of tireless voluntary work for charity and the community, she was awarded the Freedom of the Town of Hungerford in 2012 – the scheme’s inaugural year.
Mrs Grant was one of the supporters and organisers for the Newbury Weekly News’ Over 80s Parcel Fund and regularly delivered parcels at Christmas to around 20 local households.
Her maiden name was Cook and the last surviving member of her generation is her younger brother David, who now lives in New Zealand with his wife of 60 years, Eileen.
Mrs Grant is survived by two of her four children – Marie and Richard – four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
In recognition of her “many years of tireless voluntary work for charity and the community, she was awarded the Freedom of the Town of Hungerford