Sister Dora

Dorothy Windlow Pattison -- Sister Dora

born on 18th January 1832. She came to Walsall in 1865 and for the following 13 years worked ceaselessly to establish a professional medical service in the town. Her great devotion to the working people of Walsall earned her widespread respect. When she died in 1878, thousands mourned her and later she became the country's first woman, other than a member of the royal family, to be commemorated by a statue.

I did say it was May Memorials and Monuments, didn't I..?

I likewise learned that she was originally from Yorkshire!! 11th child (blimey!), her father called her "his sunshine" , which my co-workers call me, LOL
She was a follower of Florence Nightingale.. Died of breast cancer..

This, as I realized while reading her story, is a little bit too close to home..

I was going to include a bit of the town, but then thought I'd like to show you one of the engravings on the plinth underneath her (there are actually three). This one depicts the scene at the pit head at a colliery disaster.

Anyway,
Me and Mr M are spending our long weekend here in Walsall, West Midlands, hence this monument.. Staying with family friends, rather, friends who are like family to us already.. Mr M is helping Mr C to build his shed with decking..

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!!! xxx