Edith Cavell Memorial Trafalgar Square
Collection Cards
Public Meeting Page 1
Public Meeting Page 2
Public Meeting Page 3
The above fund came into existence as a result of a telegram sent by Dr. John Wishart, 1 Bristol Terrace, Newcastle on Tyne, to Mrs. Cavell of Norwich, on Oct. 23rd 1915. Sanction to establish the Fund was given by Mrs. Cavell on Oct. 24th 1915 and Sir Thomas Oliver and J. Byron Dolphin, Esq., of Birtley (late British Vice-Consul at Liege) agreed to assist.
Several meetings were held by Sir Thomas Oliver, Mr. Dolphin and Dr. Wichart and they not only appealed to the Public but decided to form up a larger Committee of helpers. The first meeting was held on Nov.10th 1915”.
The Fund was registered as a Charity on 19th October 1916 under Section 1 of the War Charities Act 1916.
A letter sent out to ask for money begins “Tyneside Ship-Constructors and Shipwrights are doing their utmost to name three or more beds in perpetuity in the proposed “Edith Cavell” Memorial Home . . .for (those) who are permanently disabled from age, accident or war”.
By March 31st 1918, the fund stood at £763.17 1d. There was a proposal that the sum of £760 be invested in the name of three Trustees in “one or more authorized trust securities” so that income could be shared among various aspects of the Institution.
The proposal was for 20 beds for patients and 4 for staff, with operating theatre, billiard room, etc. It was hoped that workers would subscribe 1d per week.
Two poems entitled Wor Contemptible British Army and The Big Push written by Chas. Anderson of Burradon Colliery were printed on a sheet and sold in aid of the Nurse Cavell Memorial Fund for Disabled Nurses.
Tyne and Wear Archives Ref. 374/10
Acknowledgements : James Pasby>