Betty retires after many happy years at Old Somerby near Grantham

A woman who started work at her local pub 50 years ago has marked her retirement there with a surprise party attended by family, friends and former employers.

Betty North, 78, started working at the Fox and Hounds in Old Somerby in 1969. She started as a cleaner for Christine Shelbourne after she and her husband Syd moved to the village from Grantham.

Betty later worked for Charlie Jenkinson and Karen and Tony Cawthorn who took over the pub in 1982. At this time Betty helped out in the kitchen.

About 20 years ago, Betty and many others campaigned to keep the pub open when its then owners tried to sell it to developers. The pub was closed for about three years.

Betty said: “It was a real battle to save the pub but we did it. There were many of us who fought to keep it open.”

It was then taken on by Bill Balderson and Betty returned to work there as a cleaner.

Betty said: “I went back to cleaning and stayed until my retirement the other night! I loved working there. When I first started there it was just a small country pub. There have been a lot of changes over the years.”

Betty finally worked for Joe Walker before deciding to retire.

She said her retirement party at the Fox and Hounds was a complete surprise. Her daughter said it would be a Father’s Day celebration for Syd, only for many friends, family and colleagues to welcome her to her party.

Betty says she is keeping busy in retirement. She has two daughters, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.