At the March meeting of the Edwinstowe Historical Society, Shirley, the Chairperson, welcomed Dr Rowena Edlin-White whose talk related to Women‘s  Suffrage in Nottinghamshire.  While the suffragists, National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, (NUWSS) led by Millicent Fawcett used peaceful methods such as lobbying in their campaign for the right of women to vote, the suffragettes Emmeline Pankhurst and others, decided more direct action was required and founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) with the motto ‘Deeds not words’.  Sometimes this led to unlawful and violent acts which attracted much publicity.

Rowena had stories to tell about some of the Nottinghamshire women who had taken part in the campaign and the problems they experienced along the way. They were subjected to imprisonment, hard labour, and force-feeding.

It was not until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women over 21 were able to vote and women finally achieved the same voting rights as men.

Enquiries have been received in connection with an Italian prisoner of war at Rufford Abbey; location of family graves and grave stones in St Mary’s church yard;   Kelmscott Manor relating to a William Morris Fire screen; a church memorial;  the meaning of a cradle roll certificate; and from the BBC Countryfile team in connection with a forthcoming programme.   All have been answered

The Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, 17^th May and, as agreed previously with members, this will be combined with a “Fuddle” in place of the usual annual lunch.  After the business of the meeting there will be a short illustrated talk.