Betty Hutchins RIP

I hadn’t put anything on the other thread that was up, seems this is the most apt.

Like many others had stated, I got to know Betty through travelling on the coach in the mid 90s onwards.  I’d estimate I properly started to speak to and get to know her a few years after that around 2000/01.  I remember her group, comprising of her daughter Teresa, her friend Janice, Shelley, Keith and Darren.  The one thing that I remember is the fact she was always laughing.  Wherever you sat on that coach you could hear that unmistakable laugh, pretty much from the moment we set off, to the moment we got back. She was friendly, warm
and welcoming and had time for everyone of her passengers.

i was about 18/19 back then and more often than not, my away games were accompanied by a pillow to sleep off my hangover from my night out before, and what could’ve only been a few hours sleep.  This caused much laughter for Betty and her group, and led to the on running joke that she would have to wake me up by giving me a whiff of her perfume, and me often commenting that some of the fragrances were likely to knock me out, rather than bring me round.  

As the years rolled on the group at the front of the coach included Kevin and Hazel Nolan who I know are dear friends of hers, and Sue.  All of us shared in Betty’s warmth and passion for Charlton.  I was so pleased to see the club and her daughters organise the visit from Lyle Taylor, you could see how much it meant to her.  I was equally pleased to know that even though she couldn’t attend the play off final, the boys gave her the best possible send off by getting promoted.

One of the last conversations I had with her was I think at Fleetwood away this season, although I could be wrong.  I asked how she was and true to her statement in the pride of the valley award, she was talking about her family and how happy they made her, one of her 3 Fs.  

I often like to highlight the humorous side of the coach for people on here to have a laugh about, but I can honestly say that the coach journeys will be sadder for her not being with us to share them moving forward.  But Betty, thank you for all your years of service to the club, your warmth, compassion and how much you gave to the club.  You are survived by a wonderful family and you gave me many a laugh down the years 

RIP x