We are delighted to report that the application has been agreed, very appropriately on 26 February just before International Women’s Day on 8th March. There was a great deal of public interest in the application and many letters of support and we are so grateful for that. See the comments at https://planningapps.brighton-hove.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=T6QV3XDM0K500

In particular we have been very thankful for the support of local business people who are eager to be part of this historic road’s regeneration. Also for the support of councillors, local members of parliament and numerous council officers who have worked with great professionalism to help. We thank them for their understanding.

This is an accessible site close to the historic buildings where so many suffrage meetings were held and in sight of the Royal Pavilion, which hosted many suffragette meetings including Mary’s own memorial meeting after her death. We chose the site following advice from Brighton & Hove

City Council Heritage Planners and Highways Engineers and discussion with Cllr Jacob Taylor, as well as further consultation with key local trusts and businesses. We are very grateful to them all.

We recognise that there were two or three objections to our application, mostly focussed on road safety and fear of vandalism. We understand these concerns. We are well aware there have been problems of anti-social behaviour in this road and also unsafe movement of traffic – often through the area designated for street furniture, where this statue would be sited. However, we are confident there are effective ways to address these challenges. 

We are committed to continuing to work with the City Council and local businesses to find solutions to any problems. In commons with the many individuals and institutions that supported us, we firmly believe that the statue will play a crucial role in ongoing plans to both regenerate the road and make it safe. 

In her comments on the application, local Ward Councillor Ellen McLeay, stressed the links between commemorating Mary – who was a survivor of domestic abuse as well as a victim of state violence – and Council policy. Ellen McLeay wrote:

“The ethos behind this statue aligns with commitments

already made by Brighton & Hove City Council to support women and girls. This includes the ambition to become the UK capital of women and girls’ sport and BHCC’s work to reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) by 50% over the next decade. At a time when women’s rights are being undermined in many parts of the world, commemorating the struggle that secured women the vote in the UK feels especially important.”

“With a female-led council, including both the Leader and the Chief Executive, this statue reflects the democratic principles at the heart of our city. It represents the 50% whose voices went unheard for far too long.”

The Appeal still needs to raise a further £35,000, but we can write about that another day. 

For now all we want to do is to say thank you to everyone. Thank you so much.

Jean Calder, Chair of Trustees

We are delighted that Jean Calder, Chair of Trustees, has been asked to speak in the Founders’ Room at the Dome at 1.00pm on Thursday 23rd March. The theme will be “Mary Clarke, the Dome and the Suffrage Struggle”.

This event follows last November’s very successful talk at the Jubilee Library. The focus of that event was on remembrance, but this talk is intended to be a part of our celebrations for Women’s History Month. Many people know that 8th March is International Women’s Day. However, few, at least in this country, know that, internationally, the whole of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. 

Along with other local women’s organisations, including the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, the Women’s Centre and the Women’s History Group, we are trying to raise the profile of this heritage month and encourage our city to do more to celebrate women’s history.

WHG Talk at the Library Tuesday 7th March.

We are grateful for the ongoing and unstinting support of the B&H Women’s History Group. On 7th March at 5.30-6.30pm members of the B&H Women’s History Group will be leading a talk at the Jubilee Library on the theme  “Unsung Heroines of Brighton and Hove”,  where they will present short cameos of some of the women the group have been researching, and will invite the audience to talk about women from their past. We think it will be a wonderful evening. 

You may remember that the magazine Sussex Life previously featured an article about Mary Clarke to celebrate Women’s History Month. We are delighted that this year Sussex Life is highlighting the work of the WHG. 

International Women’s Day Stall on Saturday 11th March.

IWD is on 8th March. However, the day is being celebrated at 10.00 – 4.00 on Saturday 11th March with stalls and events. The Dome usually hosts these events, but due to works, on this occasion does not have the space. We will have a stall at the Unitarian Church in New Road. Do please come to see us.   

March is Women’s History Month and the 8th March is International Women’s Day. Jenny Engledow, well known local peace campaigner and an extremely accomplished embroiderer has just completed a banner depicting Mary Clarke.

In the short term, it is hoped it can be displayed in public places such as libraries,

possibly alongside the bronze maquette. We are currently in discussion with the Council about the possibility of displaying it near the maquette in the Jubilee Library, once it has opened agin.