Walker, Kathleen

Walker, Kathleen (24),1  Blue Slates, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, fully qualified chiropodist & former foot specialist for Scholls at New St, Huddersfield, Four Square Gospel Church member, LE 3/7/42 hospital domestic work or laundry work, YP 4/7/42 p8, BO 4/7 p3, HUDE 3/7/42 p4; MAT 22/10/42  refused, GUA 23/10/42 p6; Huddersfield Court 10/5/43 fined £5 for refusing directed work as chiropodist, laundry or domestic asst at hospital, would not pay fine so prison 1 month, when asked if she had anything to say she said ‘God says No’; HUDE 10/5/43 p4; had served prison term at Strangeways, living at house of H Leslie Pearson, worker at Linthwaite Mill,  at 1 Blue Slates, ex Four Square Gospel church he founded his own sect 6 years ago, they claimed right to live as free  a life in war as in peacetime , 2 COs Kathleen Walker now 26 & Gladys Astbury (24) from Darwen were devout followers, Astbury, Gladys, 19 Chester St, Middlesborough, Local ? rejected, MAT 22/10/42 refused, GUA 23/10/42 p6, they endured 29 day protest  fast against war work with only water, they had met as trainee chiropodists at a Manchester  College, they received permits to work where they liked but Pearson did not receive the apology or the 4s 6d for their shelter he demanded, he did allow a relieving officer to bring them food but he was warned by the police that he would be responsible if they starved, which they were prepared to do for their beliefs, Walker lost weight from 10 stones to 8 stones but stood up to the fast better than Astbury, HUDW 25/3/44 p3 * photos of both women