Phoebe Norris Kirk / 3.9.1904 - 29.8.2005
The idea behind the
first youth exchange between Witten and Dagenham came in November 1948
from Phoebe Norris Kirk and Arthur Durrant. It was the start of a town
twinning arrangement that has now lasted over fifty years.
Not surprisingly, Phoebe became known as the "Mother of the Youth exchange"
as she continued to support the whole concept with great enthusiasm and
affection for years to come.
It was only on her 90th birthday that she learnt that she was to be formally
honoured for a life full of social commitment. Phoebe received the Freedom
of the Borough in January 1996 and, four years later, in January 2000,
Queen Elizabeth II made her a Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Her 100th birthday was another highlight in her long life and it was celebrated
twice: in Dagenham with the Kingsley Hall community and, a few days later,
in Witten at a gala attended by city officials and many other guests whom
she had known in earlier years and who now gratefully took the opportunity
to commemorate her unparalleled commitment.
On 29 August 2005, she was called home by God, her Lord, whose commandment
of neighbourly love she had followed and in whose service she had worked
her whole life through.
Those of us in Germany who were privileged to know Phoebe and experience
her charity to others at first hand will gratefully keep her in our thoughts.
Excerpts from an obituary by Dietlinde Schmidt, photos by Sylvia Smart
