Who was Betty? (From The Advertiser Series)

Who was Betty?

3:22pm Wednesday 28th September 2011 in North Yorkshire

SOME of Yorkshire’s favourite writers have joined forces to create a new book that takes a lighthearted look at the origins of a famous tearoom.

Staff at Bettys Tearoom, in Northallerton, launched Who was Betty?, a collection of stories about the business’ namesake who has been providing tea and cakes around the county for more than 90 years.

Although no-one knows for sure just who Betty was, bosses at the tearooms, which can also be found in York and Harrogate, hope the proceeds from the book will help the company’s Yorkshire Rainforest Project, which is a campaign to save an area of rainforest the size of Yorkshire.

Who Was Betty? is filled with stories, poems and cartoons gathered in from famous Yorkshire names, including bestselling authors and world famous playwrights.

Among the contributors are Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Jilly Cooper, Alan Titchmarsh, Kay Mellor, Jack Shepherd, Philippa Gregory and Barbara Taylor Bradford.

There is also an anonymous contribution to the book, which was slipped under the door of one of the tearooms by a local fan.

Lindsay Judd, manager at Bettys Northallerton, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the enthusiasm and support to date from customers for our Yorkshire Rainforest Project.

“We have great hopes that sales of the new book will raise over £40,000 towards our long term aim of saving an area of rainforest.”

Who Was Betty? is available at all Bettys Tea Rooms, from www.bettys.co.uk or by calling 01423-814008) and costs £5.99.