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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier Saturday 04 Jun 1960
Page 7 Column 4 and 5
Somerset's Most Eminent Woman
Death of Mrs. COOKE HURLE
The most distinguished woman in the public life of Somerset, Mrs. Norah Lilian COOKE HURLE, died at her home, Kilve Court, on Thursday, in her 90th year.
Only a week ago she wrote resigning from the County Council, of which she is the oldest member – in age and length of service.
Her experience in mental health work was unparalleled and for nearly 60 years she had devoted most of her time to nursing, education and other social services in the county.
Mrs. COOKE HURLE fell in the street, fracturing a hip, while visiting Bridgwater Technical College at the end of the last year. She spent a long time in hospital and never fully recovered.
In spite of her great age Mrs. COOKE HURLE remained mentally alert. Her ability as a public speaker was undiminished and even while in hospital she insisted on keeping in close touch with county affairs.
Honorary Degrees
Mrs. COOKE HURLE was born in Bristol. Her father, Mr. Francis FRY, was a former High Sheriff of Somerset and of Bristol.
She was a great-granddaughter of the founder of the chocolate firm of J. S. FRY & Sons Ltd.
Her husband, the late Mr. Joseph COOKE HURLE, was a former chairman of Somerset County Council.
Mrs. COOKE HURLE was educated at St. Helen's, Clifton, and at Newnham College, Oxford, of which she was a Fellow.
She was deeply interested in Bristol University and had been a member of its council since 1910. She received the honorary degree of M.A. In 1912 and three years ago the University conferred on her the honorary degree of LL.D.
Education Record
Her record of service to education in Somerset was a remarkable one. She was an original member of the County Education Committee from 1903 and had also served on the Mid-Somerset (Bridgwater) Divisional Executive and the West Somerset District Education Committee.
She was chairman of the governors of Bridgwater Girls' Grammar School and a member of the governing body of Minehead Grammar School, of which her late husband was the first chairman.
Mrs. COOKE HURLE was the first woman to be elected to Somerset County Council – in 1918. She became an alderman in 1932.
She was also one of the first women magistrates, sitting at Keynsham, Williton and Bridgwater in turn, from 1920 until she reached retiring age.
She left Bristol in 1915 and lived at Cricket St. Thomas until she went to Kilve Court 37 years ago.
Mental Health Work
Mrs. COOKE-HURLE did notable work in the sphere of mental health. She gave evidence before a Royal Commission, whose recommendations resulted in the Mental Deficiency Act of 1913.
In 1931 she became a member of Tone Vale Hospital Management Committee and served for 26 years. On reaching compulsory retirement age she was co-opted to the committee and retired in 1957 at her own request.
In 1954 the County Medical Officer recorded in his report that Mrs. COOKE-HURLE's experience in mental health adminstration was 'probably without parallel.'
She was associated with Sandhill Park Management Committee and helped to form the Somerset Mental Welfare Association.
Nursing Association
Mrs. COOKE-HURLE was probably best known to the public through the Somerset County Nursing Association, of which she was the mainspring for 50 years.
From 1902 she was first assistant secretary and then county secretary until the Association was dissolved in 1957.
She did much to advance the status of midwifery and child care and was particularly interested in the welfare of retired nurses.
Mrs. COOKE-HURLE held many other public appointments. She served on the Diocesan Conference and its Education Committee; she was a district vice-president of the Somerset Marriage Guidance Council; a vice-president of the Somerset Girl Guides' movement; and, many years ago, was a Poor Law Guardian.
At Kilve, she was chairman of the Parish Meeting for many years, a trustee of the Village Hall and a former president of the Horticultural Society.
The Funeral
The funeral service will be at the Parish Church, Brislington, Bristol, on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Biddicks, of Bridgwater, not later than 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
It is likely that a memorial service will be held later, probably at Bridgwater.