Volunteer leaves Museum Society £40,000

Society head of fund-raising John Betts said: "What a wonderful gesture from a great supporter of our town's museums."

His view was echoed by chief executive offier Peter Fairhurst and Rother District Council curator Julian Porter.

Edna North was 99 when she died. She had lived in Bexhill with her husband for many years.

In 2001 after her husband died she moved into St Nectan's Residential Home where she lived until her death last November.

In her youth and until her eyesight deteriorated she was a keen and talented artist. She was able to indulge her hobby at home and abroad as she often travelled with her husband on his overseas business trips.

She particularly loved visiting and painting in Yugoslavia. Two of her works may be seen in Scolfe's tea rooms in Boreham Street which she enjoyed visiting with friends on a regular basis.

Another great interest in her life was as a volunteer helper and custodian at Bexhill Museum of Costume and Social History, where she is still remembered for her great enthusiasm in carrying out her duties.

John Betts said: "Edna North had a keen sense of humour and was one of life's characters referring to her walking frame as her Ferrari!

"She will be sadly missed by all of her friends and relatives and they can be assured that her wonderful gift will be suitably acknowledged in the new Bexhill Museum.