Paying tribute in Glossop to suffragette Florence

A sash in the colours of the Suffragette Movement has been draped around a weathered gravestone in Glossop Cemetery in honour of a local heroine.

There is also a posy of flowers on the resting place of Florence French, who at the turn of the last century played a prominent part in the campaign to give women the vote. Both tributes were placed by members of Hadfield with Padfield Women’s Institute to celebrate International Women’s Day, on Monday, March 8.

Member Louise Marsden said: “It was to honour the memory of Florence’s achievements.”

Little today is known of Florence, who died at the early age of 34 and was a founder member of Glossop Labour Club in 1906.

An active member of the political scene she was a trade unionist and a leading campaigner for the women’s suffrage in Glossop.

Hadfield with Padfield WI press secretary Jennifer Boon said: “It’s been a year of uncertainties for our WI, but our members have been keeping in touch by telephone and on our WhatsApp group. 

“To keep our spirits up, our vice-president Chris Revell has also been delivering gifts to WI members in Hadfield and Padfield throughout the year in a socially distanced way."

Flowers laid in the suffragette’s honour

Jennifer added: “Many have been made by Chris herself, along with some of our other members, and we would like to thank everybody involved for these wonderful surprises.

“Hopefully we will soon be starting our monthly meetings again, once restrictions allow, which will take place at Hadfield Methodist Church on Station Road, Hadfield, at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

“All women are welcome and we look forward to meeting new members.”

The suffragette colours represent purple for loyalty and dignity, white for purity and green for hope.

Main image:

REMEMBERING: Hadfield with Padfield WI vice-president Christine Revell at the grave of Florence French.

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