Acknowledgements:

The creation of a this nurse history is the work of several people. Not least of these is the nurse herself - Mary Helen Watkin, who created this professional picture by her own actions. In the first instance by becoming a nurse. In the second by becoming a nurse whose career was notable, and like so many others was almost lost as a complete story.

Her story, which became known by pure chance, a kind trick of fate or higher hand, could not have been told in it's present state of completion were it not for the dedicated efforts of a number of selfless people. Ruth and Ted Watkin-Jones - Mollies relatives, who supplied much information, photographs, badges and ephemera which had belonged to her for our use - and who have continued their support throughout and beyond. Sue Barker - who diligently carried out genealogical research expertly and for free, and without whom this history would have been much less than a success.

Archivists at the British Red Cross and at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, who were able to locate and supply those snippets of information that help so much in breathing a little life into a dying fire. Helping to re-consolidate an already fragmenting history. Invaluable.

To Peter (backman) an inveterate seeker of all aspects of the history of the nursing profession, the man behind the nursingbadges and nursing history websites, to say nothing of his selfless support of our own site - I know that he will understand when I say that I remain the 'Indebted1'.

Finally. my very sincere thanks to Joclyn Hetherington-Field, a nurse herself, who also collects nursing history. Joclyn had acquired part of Mollie Watkin's personal collection of Bart's memorabilia - but relinquished it to us when she learned that we were working on this history and already held the rest, so that Mollie' collection could be reinstated. That it was a sacrifice I have no doubt - but then that's what many nurses do - something we should perhaps all acknowledge.

Sincere thanks to all - it is not possible to express the depth of my own feelings for all the assistance in helping to complete this history. The privilege of creating it fell upon me without prior warning, but one which once started I could not relinquish until complete. Or as complete as we could possibly make it. My heartfelt thanks.

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SECTION 2


SECTION 3
Nursing Organizations

Statutory Bodies.
Nursing & Midwifery Council.

Professional/Trade Unions.
Royal College of Nursing.