In September 1914, a group of Christchurch women formed a committee to support those affected by the outbreak of war in Europe. Their primary goal was to provide clothing and other goods for the poor of Britain, Ireland and Belgium. Mrs Helen Lane was a member of the committee from the outset and helped arrange fundraisers in aid of Belgium and organised donations of clothing to be sent overseas. For her role in the committee and her support of Belgium, Helen was awarded the Médaille de la Reine Elisabeth (Queen Elisabeth Medal) from the Belgian government.
Family information
Parents: Hugh Percy Murray-Aynsley and Elizabeth Murray-Aynsley (née Campbell)
Born: 1868 (?)
Died: 12 May 1939, aged 70 years
Buried: Rutherford Cemetery, Christchurch, Block VV, Plot 1A
Married: Beauchamp Lassetter Lane, 1913
Active in: Christchurch
Obituary/death notice:
LANE – On May 12, at her residence, 4 Park lane, Fendalton, Helen Elizabeth, widow of the late B. L. Lane.
Press, 13 May 1939, p. 1
Sources
'Women's committee formed', Press, 3 September 1914, p. 8
'Le chat blanc cafe chantant', Sun, 20 March 1915, p. 6
'Stricken Belgium', Sun, 8 July 1916, p. 8
'Deaths', Press, 13 May 1939, p. 1
Community contributions