91Èȱ¬

Born and brought up in Sidcup, Hilary Betts had a history of public service. After her husbands successful appointment as Mayor in May 2007 Mrs Betts was appointed to the role of Mayoress - but she already had a long record of serving her local community.

Mrs Betts was connected to the Falconwood Community Centre for over 25 years.

Working for young people

In her spare time she was an Akela at the 1st North Cray and 1st Foots Cray Scout groups during the 1970s.

She was also a Governor at Hook Lane Primary School and Vice-Chair of the Governors at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Primary School.

In recent years, she volunteered at Malcolm Sargeant House, North Cray, where she helped young cancer sufferers.

Mayoress Mrs Hilary Betts and husband

Private Funeral

Hilary passed away at the Greenwich and Bexley Hospice on Sunday 20th April following a period of illness.

The borough's flag will be flown at half-mast outside the Bexleyheath Civic Offices until her funeral.

Cllr Nigel Betts and Mrs Betts have four grown-up children – Robert, Shaun, Tim and Kathryn and two grandchildren, Ellen and Sophie.