Bowes says farewell to a stalwart of rural life

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known community stalwart who has died aged 83.
Betty Ettey was brought up on Low Park Wall Farm, in Barnard Castle, but moved to Bowes when she married her husband, David, in 1957. The pair farmed at Bar Gap Farm before moving into Bowes village. Mrs Ettey died peacefully at their home on December 9.

Mrs Ettey was a tireless fundraiser and supporter of the Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle.
 Iris Hillery, Honorary secretary and publicity officer for the the hospital’s friends group, said: “Everyone at the friends loved Betty. She remembered everyone’s name and was always available to support fundraising events and offer prizes for raffles and cakes for stalls. She will be very sadly missed by all who knew her.” As a member of Bowes Women’s Institute she first became involved with the hospital in the 1950s. She served as chairwoman of the Friends of Richardson Hospital for a number of years and she was appointed as the life president of the group in 2000. In 2009, she travelled to St James’s Palace in London with the late Rosamund Finlay for the Diamond Volunteer Award celebration.
Mrs Ettey also held the community of Bowes close to her heart. She was involved with St Giles Church for 45 years which included about 25 years as churchwarden.
She also served as social secretary of Bowes Agricultural Show for several years.
Her love of children helped her to develop prominent connections with Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary School. Mrs Ettey was a foundation governor for more than 30 years. Staff at the school described her as a “staunch supporter” and the chief liaison between church and the school. She used to read with the youngsters up until a few years ago and was handing out leavers’ gifts to pupils as recently as August.
Headteacher Chris Matthewman said: “As a new head she was immensely supportive and encouraging towards me and I feel proud to name her among my friends. We will all miss her greatly.”
Mrs Ettey was wife of David, mother to Jean and Keith and mother-in-law. She also had four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Daughter Jean said: “She  was really upset at the fact that the hospital was going to close after all the work that had been done.
“She would help out with anything. She was a good listener too. Everyone knew her. She was good with the children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved family life. Everyone’s birthdays or Christmas was always a big occasion. She was just the perfect mother in every way.” Granddaughter Rebecca added: “She was there for everyone and she was an amazing lady. She was the best nana in the world.”
Mrs Ettey’s funeral was due to be held on Wednesday, December 20 at St Giles Church in Bowes.