AN EVESHAM landmark has issued a rallying call for local residents to nominate the town’s extraordinary women as part of a project to mark 100 years since some were first given the right to vote.
The Almonry is celebrating the achievements of Evesham women throughout 2018 which not only marks 100 years since the end of the Great War but it also since the passing of the Representation of the People Act.
Under the act, women over the age of 30, with property, were handed the right to vote which served to break down the barriers for further laws which ensured all women were given the right to vote.
Throughout the early part of the 20th Century the role of women changed drastically. The Suffragette movement saw unprecedented radical campaigning and activism by women in a bid to win the vote.
The Great War led to the massive mobilisation of the female workforce as women were recruited to jobs previously held by men and in 1919 the first female MP, Nancy Astor, was elected to Parliament.
Volunteers at the Almonry have launched the Extraordinary Women project which focuses on those women from Evesham and the Vale who have made a difference.
Ashleigh Jayes, Almonry manager, said: “We are looking for Evesham’s extraordinary women. They don’t have to be rich or famous or to have made an impact on the international or national ‘stage’, but they have to be extraordinary!
“So if your gran was a Land Girl, if your sister inspires you or your neighbour goes above and beyond then these are the women we want to celebrate in 2018 and we want to hear from you.”
“Tell us what they did and how their actions have impacted on your life or on the lives of others.”
All the women nominated must have been born or have lived/worked in Evesham and the Vale, they can be from the distant past or a grandmother, mother or even sister.
Nominees can be of any age but those under 16 will need parental or guardian consent.
The nominees will be part of the venue’s Extraordinary Women pop-up exhibition and online gallery launched in September for Heritage Open Days during the month.
Any nominee with a link to the First World War should be submitted by Thursday, May 31 and may be included in the Almonry’s summer exhibition.
All other nominations can be made by Tuesday, July 31.
Visit www.almonryevesham.org and complete the nomination form or pick up a copy at the Almonry.
