Join efforts to install a statue to celebrate life of working class suffragette Annie Kenney

Jim McMahon MP, Council Leader Jean Stretton, Angela Raynor MP and Debbie Abrahams MP want your help to install a statue to celebrate the life of working class suffragette Annie Kenney

2018 will be the centenary of the Representation of the People's Act and local MPs Jim McMahon, Angela Raynor and Debbie Abrahams, along with Council Leader Jean Stretton, are asking for help to honour Annie Kenney, Oldham's working class suffragette.

Following the regeneration of Oldham's Old Town Hall a new public square has been built which will be home to the statue when completed.

Oldham Council has supported the campaign by providing a plinth at the steps of the Old Town Hall, funding is now needed for the statue.

Annie is inspiring for many reasons. Born in 1879 in the town which had developed to become the 'King of Cotton she began working life aged 10 years old. By 13 years old she was working full time on 12 hour shifts.

In her time at the mill Annie supported other women to read eventually becoming a trade union activist.

Annie rose through the ranks of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), eventually becoming its deputy in 1912, something which was extremely rare for the working classes.

The struggle for the right for women to vote lead by women like Annie made progress because of their unrelenting spirit and sacrifice.

Though women now have the right to vote inequality is an everyday struggle on pay, terms and conditions and in wider society.

Supporters believe this fight belongs to everyone who believes in fairness and equality and we hope to inspire the next generation to carry on the fight for equality with Annie's inspiring story.

Fundraising £40,000

Phase One

Fund raising for work to begin on the design and modelling of the statue.  £8,000 in donations has ben secured so far and so another £4,000 is needed to issue the order for work to begin.

Phase Two

Once the first phase is completed a further £12,000 is needed for fabrication.

Phase Three

The final phase will need £16,000 for the release the statue and installation on the plinth.

Annie Kenney 1879 - 1953. 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anniekenney2