Foundation
Founded by Dorothy and Phyllis Yglesias when their younger sister found an injured jackdaw in her garden, and ran the hospital – with the help of volunteers – until 1953
1928
Founded by Dorothy and Phyllis Yglesias when their younger sister found an injured jackdaw in her garden, and ran the hospital – with the help of volunteers – until 1953
1953
After the task of running the hospital alone becomes too much, the sisters seek help. The RSPCA take over the running of the hospital
1962
Dorothy Yglesias publishes The Cry of a Bird, her first book
1967
On her final voyage, Torrey Canyon left Kuwait with a full cargo of crude oil with an intended destination of Milford Haven in Wales. Following a navigational error, the Torrey Canyon struck Pollard’s Rock on Seven Stones reef between the Cornish mainland and the Isles of Scilly on 18 March 1967. The disaster remains one of the world’s largest ever oil spills. 8,000 birds pass through the hospital in this year alone
1975
The RSPCA withdraw financial support, and a huge public appeal sees a tremendous financial response. A committee is selected at a public meeting to run the Hospital once again.
1976
On 28 July, the hospital becomes a charity, funded entirely by voluntary contributions.
1975
Our founder, Phyllis Yglesias – or Pog as she was affectionately known – passed away
1978
Mobil Oil Company present a cheque for £10,000, covering our running costs for one year.
Dorothy Yglesias publishes her second book In Answer to the Cry
1980
Dorothy Yglesias is recognised with an MBE in the New Years Honours List
On 14 February, our saddest blow as we lost our founder and president, Dorothy Yglesias passed away. Her ashes were laid to rest at the hospital.
Since then, the running of Cornwall Wild Bird Hospital Mousehole has been overseen by a Board of Trustees and staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers.