Tower Gallery

Pat Kerr, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. August 1990

After opening the Lostwithiel Church Fete, orphanage founder, Pat Kerr, was presented with scroll in recognition of her work. Miss Kerr, born and bred in the town, was an air stewardess with British Airways, who, upon seeing the plight of homeless children in Bangladesh on her stopovers, decided to set up an orphanage in Dacca. With her determination, practical skill, involving the British Airways crews and eventually the financial might of British Airways itself, she built the orphanage. Pat was followed in her endeavours by reporter Desmond Wilcox and a BBC film crew, and was a subject of This is Your Life with Michael Aspel. The citation on the scroll reads To Miss Patricia Kerr, MBE, in recognition of your services to homeless children in Bangladesh, by your practical help in the building of the orphanage there, by the example you have provided to our young people in your selfless work for the benefit of others and the credit you have brought to this town; the people of Lostwithiel have resolved to present you with this scroll, both as a token of their appreciation and of the esteem and affection in which you are held. Signed by John Reed, Mayor, and Fran Dennison, Town Clerk. Pat Kerr is pictured with Mayor John Reed who is presenting her with the scroll. Photographer: Jonathan Barker

© RIC, photographer Jonathan Barker