George Edwin Bett was not born in the town but lived and worked here for more than 40 years and became one of its best known citizens. He moved to Bourne from Stickney, near Boston, in 1913 to take over the old established business of Mr T E Branston, the grocer and draper, with premises at the corner of the Austerby and Eastgate, and he remained in control until 1946 when he retired and sold out to Messrs L and H Hayhurst.

During this time he made a significant contribution to local affairs, being elected to Bourne Urban District Council in 1923, retaining his seat by just one vote at the next election in 1926 but remaining on the authority until 1938, serving as chairman twice, in 1928-29 and again in 1936-37.

He was also an enthusiastic worker for the Methodist Chapel in Abbey Road where he held several offices as well as being a trustee and a member of the choir and was one of those responsible for the installation of electricity in the building. Mr Bett was a governor of Bourne Grammar School, a trustee of Bourne United Charities and vice-president of Bourne Cricket Club.

He died suddenly at his home in North Street on Saturday 2nd June 1956, aged 83, and during the funeral service at the Methodist Chapel the following Wednesday, the minister, the Rev Irving Scott, said: "Bourne has lost one of its best loved citizens and the honour in which he was held is shown in that he was twice chairman of the council." His widow, the former Hylda May Skelton, of Alford, who he had married in 1923, survived him together with their daughter, Mrs R Creasey and their son, Mr K Bett.

See also   Bourne's first department store