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Bahá’í centenarian recalls days with suffragettes
Filed Under Baha'i community, People, women | Leave a Comment
A Bahá’í from Norwich has celebrated her 100th birthday by recalling witnessing first hand the rise of the suffragette movement in the early years of the 20th century.
Christabel Welham – known as Chrissie – marked her centenary on 25 August, surrounded by family and members of the local Bahá’í community.
Ms Welham was named by her parents after Christabel Pankhurst, who along with her mother Emmeline and sister Sylvia played pivotal roles in the British suffragette movement. During the birthday celebration, Ms Welham reminisced about her childhood. On one occasion, she was taken by her mother to join in a demonstration for votes for women, during a visit to Norwich by a leading suffragette.
A special guest from Tanganyika, Valerie Roberts, flew in especially for the birthday celebration. Ms Roberts warmly recalled Ms Welham’s kindness and hospitality when she was studying in Norwich several years ago. ”Chrissie’s home was always open to anyone in the least interested to hear more about the Bahá’í Faith,” said Norwich Bahá’í Tony McCarthy. “It was a particular haven for Bahá’í students and their friends in the nearby University. Her hospitality was legendary.”
Norwich Bahá’ís also recalled Ms Welham’s selfless generosity. “For many years, she cherished the hope of making a pilgrimage to the Bahá’í World Centre and, though of limited means, saved hard to go,” said Mr McCarthy. “But as the years went by and her health deteriorated, she decided to donate the money she had saved to help build the beautiful garden terraces on Mount Carmel.”
Ms Welham, who now resides in a nursing home, was also delighted to receive the official greetings card sent by Her Majesty the Queen to all UK citizens that reach their 100th birthday.
“We are privileged to have this jewel of a woman in our midst,” said Mr McCarthy.
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