Christina Toimela is inspired by a dedication to Brighton’s legal history

Whilst filming an episode of Brighton Lights for the Latest TV at the Old Police Cells Museum, the lady who let us in sat quietly reading her paper in one of the cells but was very interested in what we were doing and seemed to know a lot about the museum. I found out that not only does she volunteer full time at the museum after her retirement but she had also opened the museum in 2005 whilst Mayoress. I found her inspiring because I want to be able to work, be dedicated and take interest in other people’s work when I’m in my 60s and 70s.

Pat Drake is Brighton born and bred and she loves the city. As an only child she feels like she matured quickly having to always find someone to play with. She went to school and university here in Brighton. According to her, in those days women were taught to be interested in the care side of life and education but not in the more practical aspects of life. She married in 1957 and had three children.

Pat’s father was a Senior Clerk in the County Court when she was a child and Pat’s husband, now deceased, was a Senior Prosecuting Solicitor for the Metropolitan Police. Unlike many other women of her time, Pat felt drawn by law and order and practical work in a male dominant environment. She wanted to do make a change in society and started working for East Sussex County Council.

Pat loved her job designing road schemes: “There was always a reason why a roundabout was made.” After eight years she became the first Chairman of East Sussex County Council’s Highway & Transportation Committee. She was also serving Sussex Police Authority and three Chief Constables: “When times were hard and there was no money, we were still able to do things and find solutions like making sure that the high crime areas got better lighting.”

As Mayoress, Pat says that she was able to carry on “leaving something behind”. Her husband found the Old Police Cells full of rubbish and wanted to open a museum. Pat was able to do this in his memory. Starting just with two cells she has gradually been able to open 14 cells. In 2005 the museum gained charity status.

“Preserve what is good. Be willing to embrace the future!”

In the future Pat is going to step down and travel more. Her message for Brightoners is: “Preserve what is good. Be willing to embrace the future!”

For further information on the Old Police Cells Museum, where all guides have a police background in order to tell stories, and for donations to the charity please visit www.oldpolicecellsmuseum.org.uk
Watch Brighton Lights Episode 49 online at www.thelatest.tv

Do you know any people who have really inspired you in Brighton?
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Contact Christina: christina.toimela@gmail.com