A Talk and a Tea Party

So, what is it like growing up with a famous suffragette in the family? What was the family view on her militant activities? Did they support her, or was she an embarrassment?

These are some of the questions we will be asking Tamara Dugdale, Edith New's great niece, at A Talk and a Tea Party at St Saviour's Hall, Ashford Road on Saturday March 19, 12.30 to 2.30.

Edith was born on March 17, 1877 at 24 North Street, Swindon and we will be celebrating her 139th birthday in style with Tamara in conversation with Leah Bevan-Haines and Frances Bevan. Sadly Edith died when Tamara was very young but did she grow up hearing about her famous great aunt, we wonder?

Tamara will be telling us more about Edith's family and what she thinks inspired her to take up the Votes for Women cause.

Another opportunity for us to wear our suffragette costumes, so don the purple, green and white colours ladies (banners are optional) and let's wish Edith many happy returns.

For further updates and to let us know you are coming, visit the Swindon Suffragette facebook page.

Here are some photos from the October 2015 events.

Our fab banner telling the story of Edith New

A guided walk of Old Town saw us visit Christ Church. Here we are standing by the grave of Edith's maternal Frampton grandparents.

Organiser Leah Bevan-Haines

Tamara wearing Edith's original sash

Swindon Suffragettes, 2015 style, get ready to march

Perry Barrett wearing an original Edwardian police uniform - and he grew a moustache in honour of the occasion

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