She was a lady of pedigree
from a doctor’s family,
yet poverty she saw
visiting homes of the poor.

She helped mill girls and weavers
and suffragette believers,
teaching them their rights
involving them in fights.

She threw tar at the “Noble" Earl
causing parliamentary whirl.
From prison she gained support;
suffrage gained, the battle wrought.

She became a friend of the earth
with a garden of great worth,
bringing fruits and veg for the poor
following “Steiners” laws.

She swam and walked each day
keeping mind and soul in play.
Years ago she died
but is remembered with pride.

Christine Billington