Vera Holme, WSPU Chauffeur

Vera Holme (1881-1969) chauffeur to the Women's Social and Political Union dressed in her purple, white and green uniform. Vera was a member of both the Women's Social and Political Union and the Actresses' Franchise League. An accomplished violinist and singer she was a member of the chorus of the D'Oyly Carte Company. Sylvia Pankhurst described Vera as a 'noisy, explosive young person, frequently rebuked by her elders for a lack of dignity'. From 1909 Vera was official chauffeur to Mrs Pankhurst and Mrs Pethick-Lawrence and a member of the Young Hot Bloods. In November 1911 she served her only prison sentence, 5 days for stone throwing, and did not go on hunger strike.
On the reverse of the postcard is a note addressed to Miss Turner of Brighton from the WSPU leader Grace Roe which reads 'Many thanks for stamps. I hoped you would not notice. 11 are being fed in Holloway. More to follow. No procession on June 15th- only meeting- Hope you are well. Love, G.A.R'. Miss Turner ran a guest house in Brighton that was poular with Suffragettes.