Betty Holbrook MBE, sadly passed away yesterday afternoon.
Betty proudly wore her MBE medal in June last year to an event commemorating the 85th anniversary of the day many hundreds of children were evacuated from the borough of Harwich during WWII.
Betty herself had been evacuated aged 7 years to a small village in Herefordshire, where she spent many very happy years on a farm with a family that welcomed her and treated her well. Her bond remained with them their entire lives.
At the commemoration Betty enjoyed speaking with BBC and ITV television crews, she featured in their news reports that day, telling them what a wonderful time she had and how she enjoyed every second of her evacuation.
Betty enthusiastically greeted fellow evacuees, all in their mid 90’s, for this special occasion and chatted over a light lunch at the museum with several of her ex school friends.
We enjoyed Betty’s humour, her forthright manner and legendary stories.
A true supporter of Harwich Museum who will be remembered with gratitude, respect and affection.
Betty, was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthdays Honours in 2019 for a lifetime of work dedicated to Harwich, she will be sadly missed by all.
Our thoughts are with Betty’s family at this sad time.