Suffrage 100
Over six two-hour long workshops, Year 6 pupils from St Andrews and ladies from Age UK and Bath Soptometrists explored the theme of suffrage and the story of the Suffragette’s Wood at Batheaston. They watched a live performance of Temples of Minerva and visited the Building Memory exhibition at the Museum of Bath Architecture. Making rosettes, sashes and banners gave the group the opportunity to reflect on the themes of equality and remembrance and to share their ideas with each other.
Inspired by the planting of the suffragette’s wood, the group designed commemorative gardens and planters, thinking about the meanings assigned to different flowers and plants. The group visited Southcot Burial Ground to plant up their planters and these are currently on display at No.1 Royal Crescent. Tissue paper bouquets were also made and delivered to Age UK’s St Michael’s Day Centre where the group spent time discussing their project with Age UK members.
At the finale the whole group performed a set piece drawing on suffragette history and song, marching along the Royal Crescent drumming and chanting, with rosettes and sashes on and banners held high. The Mayor, parents and friends were in attendance and there was a celebratory tea party afterwards with displays of the group’s work.