Grace Kimmins

Dame Grace Mary Thyrza Kimmins, DBE (née Hannam; 1871 – 3 March 1954) was described in Punch (volume 156, 9 April 1919) as ... in her quiet practical way is probably as good a friend as London ever had, a description for the driving force behind the Guild of Play and the Guild of the Poor Brave Things.

She became a Wesleyan deaconess and worked in both the Methodist West London Mission and the Bermondsey Settlement, where she moved in 1895. In 1897, she married Charles William Kimmins. She was active in the foundation and continuance of charitable foundations, particularly those concerned with children's play and the welfare of poor and disabled children. She founded, caused to be founded or was involved in the Methodist West London Mission, Bermondsey Settlement, Chailey Heritage, Guild of Play, and Guild of the Poor Brave Things. She also was a writer.

She was made CBE in 1927 and promoted DBE in 1950.

Family

Grace and Charles Kimmins had two sons:

• Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Charles Hannam Kimmins (1899–1979)
• Anthony Martin Kimmins (10 November 1901 – 19 May 1964), actor, director and producer

Death

She died in Haywards Heath Hospital on 3 March 1954, aged 83.

External links

• "Botches" (Scroll down to find "Botches")
• Chailey 1914–1918
• Chailey Heritage Hospital
• Chailey Heritage School Remembers Queen Mother
• Heritage Craft School in Chailey