The Life of Betty Ennis

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Betty Ennis on 22nd August. A founder member of the Willenhall Local History Group, Betty shared her fascinating story with us, and gave us access to her extensive photo albums.

Betty’s early life was one of amazing contrasts: she grew up in Persia (now Iran), the child of an English businessman and a Persian lady. Her first language was Parsee: in all the years we knew Betty, although she spoke fluent English, she always wrote her shopping lists in Parsee.

In 1946, Betty’s father, John Cross, decided to bring his family to England, the place of his birth, having been in the Middle East for the past 26 years. He, his wife and their children arrived in Liverpool after a lengthy journey across land and sea. Unfortunately, John Cross’ health took a turn for the worse and by this time there was no going back. The family were allocated a place at Baginton Fields Hostel, just off Stonehouse Lane. (If you go into the woods via the layby leading from the A46, you can see a plaque marking original entrance to Baginton Fields Hostel, and some of the foundation stones are still there)

Betty had to adjust to a huge culture shock. In Persia she had lived in relative luxury: at Baginton Fields she was expected to do her share of work in the kitchens, and contribute to the communal life of the hostel. At just sixteen years of age, she rolled up her sleeves and from the start became deeply committed to helping people wherever she could and making a difference wherever she went.

This enormous sense of community spirit continued throughout her life. She married Michael Ennis and had six sons, but despite being busy with family, she always found time for youth work and was deeply committed to the Willenhall Social Club and the Hagard Community Centre.

There is so much to tell about Betty’s life story, and Willenhall people have so many memories of this influential lady, that there would not be enough space to write them all down.

On behalf of the Willenhall Local History Group I would just like to say: Thank you Betty for all the wonderful stories, thank you for the pleasant times visiting your house and looking through your albums, thank you for your loyalty and dedication to the community of Willenhall.