(Image: Supplied)
The extraordinary story of a North Yorkshire woman who became the first to skipper a North Sea fishing vessel is being brought to life in a new project backed by the RNLI.
The Quiet Work, created by Whitby-based Dogwood Productions, explores the life and legacy of Dora Walker, who broke barriers at sea during the Second World War.
It forms part of the RNLI’s Stories of Courage 1939–1945 programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and commemorates the bravery of crews during the Second World War.
During the war, Dora navigated mined waters, armed with a pistol, and assisted in lifeboat rescue efforts following the wreck of the SS Charles off Saltwick in February 1940.
A new ballad drama featuring music and puppetry will bring true stories of courage and kindness to the stage alongside Dora’s barrier-breaking life.
Director Robbie Bellekom and one of her puppets
(Image: Supplied)
Dora’s diaries and published works document repeated rescue attempts to save the Belgian steamer’s crew, offering a stark and personal account of lifeboat heroism.
The Whitby lifeboat crew suffered multiple injuries during the rescue, and Christopher Wale and John Dryden became the RNLI’s first World War II crew fatalities.
Six members of the Charles’ crew also died and are buried in Whitby cemetery.
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Drawing from Whitby Museum archives and new research, the production will feature original songs by award-winning folk musician Clementine Lovell.
Workshops in schools will invite young people to explore Dora’s life, storytelling and lifeboat courage.
Devised by Robbie Bellekom, the drama will tour from Teesside through Yorkshire to Lincolnshire in February and March next year.