Flowers and fund-raising in memory of Eglantyne

The 150^th birthday of the Ellesmere-born social reformer Eglantyne Jebb has been commemorated with floral tributes and fund-raising.

Eglantyne, who co-founded the Save the Children charity with her sister, Dorothy, was born at The Lyth country house on the outskirts of the town on August 25^th 1876.

Her great-great nephew, Richard, and his wife, Professor Susan Jebb, were joined by members of Save the Children’s Ellesmere fund-raising branch to lay flowers in the Jebb memorial garden next to the Mere. The short informal ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, which created the garden to celebrate the charity’s centenary seven years ago.

Later, the Jebb family hosted a fund-raising evening at The Lyth in support of Save the Children. Those attending included the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Mrs Anna Turner, the Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev Pat Hawkins, regional community fund-raising managers, Fidelma Meehan and Adrienne Williams, together with local branch members.

Reflecting on Eglantyne’s remarkable legacy, Mr Jebb said: .“We give thanks for her life of service to others and the ongoing work of the organisation that she founded in 1919. Were she with us today, she would see much that has changed since she was born here 150 years ago. But sadly the need for Save the Children continues and has, if anything, grown, with active conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and Sudan, and climate change leading to drought, famine and mass migration – all of these affecting the lives of children the most.

“For many people she is now simply a historical figure, but for my family she remains a gentle presence in the back of our minds and a constant reminder that each of us can change the world for the better, if we can just find the strength and courage to follow her example and act on our conscience.”.

Displays featuring Eglantyne’s life story can be seen all this week in Ellesmere parish church, the town’s library and the market hall.

A civic service in her memory will be held at the church on Sunday afternoon, October 18^th

Family members with the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Anna Turner at last night’s fund-raiser.

Ellesmere Library volunteers Geraldine Potter and Janet O’Brien and Geraldine Potter with artist Sally Poynton (centre), who has created a new image of Eglantyne to mark her 150^th birthday.

Talented harpist Florence Hughes provided music for the guests who also included Save the Children fund-raisers and the Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev Pat Hawkins.