If you have an interest in nursing, the NHS, or local history then pop over to Wrexham Visitor Information Centre (VIC) on Chester Street for a pop up exhibit of nursing badges and paraphernalia.
The collection is owned by a Wrexham resident, who has been collecting memorabilia for over 30 years after being inspired by seeing another collection and purchasing his first badge.
The collection includes examples of local nursing schools and hospitals, the Red Cross, union badges as well as badges issued to nurses for their work in the war.
All the badges tell their own story and the wording and imagery used forms part of their organisations history. See if you can spot the Rhyl School of nursing (Based at the Alex hospital) badge amongst the collection that features a fox head, horse shoe and wings…
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In 1898 the Duke of Westminster promised £10,000 towards the building fund of this hospital if his horse, “Flying Fox”, won his next race at Sandown Park. His horse won and a telegram was sent to the matron with the words: “The ten will be sent.”
A reference book is available on request for more information on many of the badges and their significance.
Lead member for Economy and Regeneration at Wrexham Council, Cllr Nigel Williams said: “Having recently visited to view the collection myself, I can see that is an impressive collection that’s not only decorative, but also offers several snapshots into the interesting past of nursing history.”
Wrexham Visitor Information Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
