THE Club met on the morning of Monday, September 7 beginning with the customary socialising, after which Paddy Hannigan talked to us about the Suffragettes.

He explained that as the 19th century unfolded, there was an increasing feeling by many women and some men that women ought to have the same access to Parliament as men. A consequence of this was the founding in 1897 by Millicent Fawcett of the National Union of Women's suffrage. Millicent Fawcett believed in peaceful protest but this did not produce the desired changes, and the NUWSS failed. In 1903 Emeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union. This organisation believed in drastic action. Not all women agreed with violence, but many did, and the protests organised by the WSPU became increasingly violent and seriously disruptive. Suffragettes chained themselves to railings, executed arson attacks and carried out mass vandalism, Many women were sent to prison where they refused to eat, and were force fed. At the 1913 Derby Emily Davison ran onto the track and was killed by her impact with the King's horse.

In 1914 came the Great War, and Mrs Pankhurst disbanded the WSPU and supported the war effort. Great numbers of men served in the armed forces, and the peacetime jobs of many of them were done by women. When the war ended the mood of the country had changed. In 1918 women were given the right to vote, albeit this only applied to women over the age of 30, who owned property. Parity with men did not come until 1928, when the vote was given to women over 21.

Paddy Hannigan is a very good speaker indeed, and delighted his audience, which was left in no doubt about his enthusiasm, nor about his extensive knowledge of his subject. Malvern Link Probus Club meets on alternate Monday mornings at the hall of the United Reformed Church in Malvern Link. We assemble between 9.30am and 10am for tea or coffee and a chat, followed by usually a talk, or occasionally something different such as a quiz. Any retired professional or business man who might possibly be interested, is welcome to attend meetings with a view to joining the Club. Contact the Secretary Paul Dunleavey, 01684 565190.

PAUL DUNLEAVEY