Reading Celebrates Vote 100
READING Council is helping celebrate the anniversary of women’s right to vote this month.
Tuesday 6th February 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave all men and some women over the age of 30 the right to vote for the first time. This year is also the centenary of the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918 which allowed women to become MPs and December 2018 marks 100 years since the first general election in which women voted in the UK. Members of staff and local councillors are supporting the celebration with ‘I vote’ photos. Nationally, women across the UK are being encouraged to celebrate using their right by posting ‘I vote’ pictures on social media under the tagline #Vote100. Cllr Jo Lovelock #Vote100 Locally on Tuesday February 13th, Battle Library in West Reading is showing British Library Live: Suffragettes - Deeds not Words in a special screening at 7-8.30pm. To book visit www.reading.gov.uk/libraryevents
Cllr Jo Lovelock, Leader of Reading Council, said:
“I am proud to join in the celebration of this key step towards female emancipation and universal suffrage. It is strange to think that only 100 years ago women did not have the right to vote or stand for parliament. By celebrating this centenary we show our gratitude to those who fought so hard for all women to have the right to vote and stand for public office.”Ends
Notes
For more information on Vote 100, see www.parliament.uk/get-involved/vote-100/Events around Reading
There are a number of other events happening around Reading organised by community volunteers to mark the anniversary on Tuesday 6th February, including a unique history walk and talk on the remarkable women of Reading led by Terry Dixon. The walk starts at 10am on outside Talbot House, 55 Castle St, Reading. Contact Terry on 07505351517 to book a place. Reside Dance will be putting on a public dance performance in Broad Street opposite John Lewis at 5:30 pm. Find out more about these events and others planned throughout the year: https://vote100rdg.net/ Read Reading Museum’s blog Five Reading citizens and the fight for votes for women www.readingmuseum.org.uk/blog/five-reading-citizens-and-fight-for-votes-for-women