As another year draws to a close, I remind myself of the last few difficult years. Political turmoil, a pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, a chilling reminder of Mary Seacole’s time in the Crimea. It is easy to take for granted what we have all been through.
This year has most certainly been a year to take stock and acknowledge the new normal whilst remaining true to our values. At the Mary Seacole Trust we have amongst other things, continued our community efforts – speaking to 1000’s of children , particularly during Black History Month and promoting Mary Seacole, her legacy and our wonderful statue sculpted by Martin Jennings. A huge thanks to Frenkel Topping for sponsoring the maintenance of the statue.
The Mary Seacole Trust has also collaborated with the Florence Nightingale Foundation and Health Education England in delivering a nurse & midwifery leadership development programme to improve health inequalities, particularly in Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. I also even re-named a locomotive train!
We express sincere thanks to departing Trustee Lisa Rodrigues CBE, co-founder of the Mary Seacole Trust, who has epitomised “ally-ship”. We are delighted she is now our Life Patron. We also welcome nurse Felicia Kwaku and Moore Barlow lawyer Sophie Davies as trustees, and congratulate our Patron Dame Elizabeth Anionwu on receiving the Order of Merit from His Majesty the King.
I would also like to express sincere thanks to Helen Rappaport for producing the most comprehensively researched and evidence-based book about Mary Seacole, “In Search of Mary Seacole – the making of cultural icon” – a must read.
I thank each and every person for their support of the Mary Seacole Trust, for helping continue to shine a light on Mary and promote her legacy with particular gratitude to our wonderful trustees and volunteers.
Nevertheless my key message is simple – take stock, be proud of what we overcame during the most difficult of times and now take time out to be with loved ones or to remember loved ones no longer with us. Also spare a thought for those who serve society so diligently and will continue to work day and night during the festive period as they did during the pandemic. Their struggles continue …
Enjoy the festive season. We must remember that it was not so long ago that we could not be together. We have much to do to ensure society is fair and equal but together we will. A merry festive season to all and Happy New Year.
Trevor Sterling
Chair
Mary Seacole Trust
