Eighth Generation

425. Elsie Gertrude Anthony was born on 12 Mar 1911 in 42 Perdiswell St. Worcester. She died of a stroke on 30 Aug 1983 in Worcester Royal Infirmary. She was buried in Astwood cemetary. She lived with Marjorie during the war while their husbands were away in the army. As a child with her friends,she would race (she was an expert runner) Mr Coulton in from Marl Bank house (next to Elgars house) in his chauffeur driven car to the bottom of Landsdowne walk. He would then throw pennies out of the car to them.
She would also see an elderly Edward Elgar walk past the bottom of her road on his daily constitutional.
She was a bit of a tomboy as a child, and when the new houses were being built at the back of where she lived, she and her siblings would regularly play games on the building site, jumping out of top floor windows! She also broke her arm when hurtling on her bicycle down Castle Street!
Spent most of her life sewing - her regular 'customers' were Mrs Holloway and 'Nattie' from the post office - a regular at Danny La Rue's restaurant in the 70's - the outfits Elsie made for Nattie were often commented on - including once by Liberace.
Elsie had other claims to fame when it came to her sewing. On of her clients included a make up lady for the BBC who worked with Cilla Black, and her most famous was the radio and music studio producer Muff Murfin - she made his wedding outfit, as well as the outfits for the dolls on top of the wedding cake!
Muff Murfin is also famous for writing the original theme tune to 'Gladiators' so I believe, though I never watched the programme!

Elsie Gertrude Anthony and George William Bethell were married on 26 Oct 1935 in Holy Trinity church, Shrub Hill, Worcester. witnesses at the marriage were Frederick Richard Anthony and John (Jack) Sherwood George William Bethell (son of Herbert Bethell and Maria (M) Craddock) was born on 13 Jan 1912 in St Quentins Stables, Great Malvern, Worcestershire. He served in the military between 1939 and 1945 in France and England. Sergeant George Bethell joined the TA in Worcester on 5th Nov 1933 which meant that when WW2 started he was automatically up to join.He joined the 8th batallion Worcs regiment 1st Sept. 1939. His army number was 5249850. He served in France between the dates 11.1. 1940 and 31.5.1940. On his discharge certificate dated 17 July 1947 it stated that his conduct was exemplary and he received the efficiency medal (TA) and 1st clasp 1939/43 star. His release leave certificate dated 5 Jan 1943 stated he was a very reliable and hardworking NCO employed as a weapons instructor and that he was absolutely trustworthy. He once had a part as an extra in a film playing a german soldier about 1944 in England. He died coronary thrombosis on 26 Feb 1961 in Worcester. He was buried about Mar 1961 in Astwood cemetary with Elsie. Elsie Gertrude Anthony and George William Bethell had the following children:

+512	i.	Living.
+513	ii.	Living.