Florence Nightingale Week Badge

[Sambo]

I posted this find up a while back when it was found at the "Brissie Penny Pit".  Since then I've tried researching the history of the badge but have come up blank.  I've even emailed the Red Cross and it went to their archive department but they couldn't identify it either.

Just wondering if anyone out there has seen one before or can shed some light onto it's origins and possible date?

The reverse is blank and there are no other discernable markings.

Thanks
Sambo

[Bling]

Hi Sambo

I think this website should help you:
http://www.florence-nightingale.co.uk/cms/index.php/florence-introduction
The clothing is the same and it also explains the medical cross too, she saved the British army from a medical disaster

I also found this:

http://www.countryjoe.com/nightingale/nursesweek.htm

I think it could be a pendant to celebrate nurses week?
Hope this is some help maybe the Museum can help you too

[Sambo]

Thanks for the links Bling  .  I agree that the badge/pendant is most likely related to nurses week, however I've yet to come up with a specific match or an age.   The link for the museum has an email address so I might send of something to them and hopefully they may be able do shed some light on it.  Thanks again.

Sambo

[sido]

Hi Sambo, did some research on the medal. First of all the international committe of nurses (usa) in 1954 decided to honour florence's nursing from her past, but did not get recognised by government authorities till 1972 worldwide, so the medal could be from any country issued, possibly Australian nurses organisation between 1954-1972. I am not sure if the red cross issued this as they have there own florence medal which they have been issuing too which looks like a cross with florences image on it. My best bet it is 1960-1970's, find out about the area you found it?, it may hold a clue? hope that helps, nice find.
Cheers George HH

[NME]

Hey Sambo - this week marks the 100 year anniversary of Florence Nightingale's death and ABC radio has a documenary on the woman and the legend. Very interesting and well worth a listen:

http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2010/08/sot_20100815.mp3

It won't give you any clues as to the origin of the badge, but does provide some fascinating context.

NME

[Bling]

Hi Sambo

I have found something else Sydney Hospital is the oldest Hospital in Australia, its located in Macqaurie St, it has the 'Lucy Osburn Nightingale Foundation Museum' and is only open on a Tuesday the ph no is 9382 7427
They may know more about it....good luck 

[Sambo]

Thanks Bling, you're a legend, I'll give that number a call.  Thanks for the link too NME, very interesting.  Just love the history!!