Gladys Richardson Evans

Gladys is the 2nd daughter of Richardson Evans who founded the Wimbledon Society. Along with Princess Henriette of Belgium, Gladys formed the Merton Refugee Fund and was the secretary to the Belgian Refugees Committee, Wimbledon and a member of the Anglo-Belgium Union. She was responsible for ensuring the resources needed by the refugees were available. Her services to the refugees were recognised by the award of the Medaille de la reine Elizabeth, awarded by the King of Belgium, and the award in April, 1920, of the M.B.E. by H.M. the King.

She was educated at The Study, Wimbledon and at St. Hilda’s Hall, Oxford, taking history in the Honours School. She took an active interest in the welfare of the people of Wimbledon. As a member of the Town Council her focus was on education, health and child welfare. She represented the Wimbledon Child Welfare on the Executive Committee of the Association of Infant Welfare and Maternity Committee. She was secretary to the Wandle Park Maternity and Child Welfare Committee and had worked for the Mothers’ and Babies’ Welcome before it was transferred to the Town Council. She was also manager of the Wimbledon Parish Church and of a number of schools. She also helped with the work of the Common Extension Fund and the John Evelyn Club.

Three months before her passing she resigned her position as representative for St John’s Ward on the Borough Council.

In her will she left money to a number of organisation including the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee, South London Hospital for Women, Mission to Seamen and the Travellers Aid Society.