| Description | In 1958 Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's daughter-in-law Joyce Cadbury, the wife of her eldest son Laurence John Cadbury (1889-1982), delivered a broadcast about her mother-in-law Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury for the Midland Home Service. Her broadcast formed part of the Service's 'Portrait of a Woman of Character' feature and was delivered to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's birth. Joyce Cadbury's broadcast aimed to provide listeners with 'some memories of Dame Elizabeth, and of the qualities of love, faith and courage which inspired her public work.'
Joyce Cadbury remarks that as Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury grew older 'she took more and more delight in mildly shocking everybody with her escapades'. Drawing on a comment made by one of her sons, Joyce Cadbury examines why there were few women like Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury remaining in modern times. She describes Taylor Cadbury's unconventional upbringing, referring to her schooling and adventurous travels overseas. Joyce Cadbury also refers to Taylor Cadbury's marraige and her life as a mother to a large family. Commenting on her mother-in-law's 'personal interest and devotion' in Bournville and the village's schools, Joyce Cadbury remarks on aspects of Taylor Cadbury's public work such as her endeavours encouraging unity amongst the churches.
Joyce Cadbury comments that her mother-in-law's 'greatest gifts' lay in 'her contact with people', remarking on her magnetic personality. She concludes her broadcast by describing her own view of Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury as 'the gay adventurer, always full of surprises', referring to the inspiration of her 'adventurous spirit'. At the conclusion of her address Joyce Cadbury adds that Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's home, the Manor House in Northfield, was soon to become a hall of residence for students at the University of Birmingham.
Two printed copies of this address have been preserved amongst Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's personal papers. |