Patricia, British Red Cross volunteer, with her British Red Cross uniform.
Production date
2022
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Details
Description
Patricia (age 88) started volunteering for the British Red Cross when she was 20 years old, following in her mother’s footsteps. In the early days, she volunteered in nursing homes on Sunday mornings when the staff were away. She would get residents dressed, give them a bedside bath, empty their commodes and make them cups of tea and coffee. Patricia went on to volunteer for her local mobility aids service, providing people with wheelchairs, walking aids, and commodes. She volunteered alongside her full-time job.
History
In 1952, it was announced on the radio that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was attending a wedding at her local church, so Patricia rode straight over on her bicycle. As an onlooker, she saw the Her Majesty The Queen, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. She remembers that the Queen wore Pale blue and her sister wore mauve. “ I stood very close to the Queen. It was a beautiful sunny day. I could see the Queen on the church path. All three ladies came along passed me.’
Patricia was invited to two Buckingham Palace garden parties, where she met Prince Charles and Princess Alexandra.
Patricia was invited to two Buckingham Palace garden parties, where she met Prince Charles and Princess Alexandra.
Catalogue Number
150.68
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