Former Goodleigh pub landlady celebrates her centenary with friends

The former landlady of the New Inn at Goodleigh has celebrated her 100th birthday with friends over high tea in Barnstaple.

Bette Palmer may well be best known locally for her time at the pub during the 1970s and 80s alongside her husband Ginge.

She now lives at the Almshouses in Barnstaple and still does all her own household chores as well as most of her own shopping.

Bette and Ginge did not have children and unfortunately she no longer has any family left and Ginge passed away around 10 years ago, but that didn’t prevent friends and neighbours at the Almshouses ensuring she celebrated her centenary in style.

A birthday tea was organised by fellow Almshouse resident Jasmine Evans and her sister Pam Elliott at the Royal and Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple.

The party was attended by the Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates as well as many of Bette’s friends and neighbours.

Above: Bette Palmer marked her 100th birthday with friends and neighbours at a high tea in the Royal and Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple.

Originally from Yorkshire, Bette was born 1925, with 14 aunts and uncles to share in her upbringing. She went to Shipley School and ended up being a teacher at that school.

When war broke out, she was 14-years-old and started fire watching over Cathedral tower, whilst completing her homework.

She was also called to work on transport during the war, which involved arranging transportation of troops and armaments from Yorkshire to the south coast and was involved in the Normandy landing, arranging trains and transport between Normandy and the British coast, for which she was given a souvenir bottle which she still proudly has.

Bette and Ginge had plans to emigrate to Australia but in the end purchased a hotel on the Isle of Wight instead, before moving to Goodleigh near Barnstaple in the 1970s

As well as running the pub, she was also well-known locally as a leading light and a Master in the Ladies Masonic movement in Barnstaple, often going to London for large meetings.

Birthday party co-organiser Pam Elliott told the Gazette: “She knew she was having a party, but I don’t think she was expecting to see 20 people there – she was delighted but a bit overcome with it all too.

“The Royal and Fortescue put on a lovely high tea for her.”