Pioneering Oldham activist Marjory Lees set to be honoured with Blue Plaque

Werneth’s Labour Councillors have pledged to celebrate the 145th birthday of Marjory Lees - pioneering suffragist, activist and civic leader - with a blue plaque on the side of her home in Werneth Park.

Marjory Lees is probably best remembered for her gift of Werneth Park to the people of Oldham in 1936.

Her home, now the Werneth Park Livelong Learning Centre, was included and already bears a blue plaque in memory of her mother, Dame Sarah Lees, the first woman Mayor of Oldham.

Blue plaques honour people who have made a significant contribution either in a profession or to their community.

Marjory Lees was a suffragist who campaigned for votes for women and took part in the Great Pilgrimage of 1913, setting off from Werneth in a caravan to join the march to London and the 50,000 strong demonstration in Hyde Park on July 26.

She was a supporter of the non-violent National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and secretary of Oldham Women’s Suffrage Society.

Marjory is also remembered by the Marjory Lees Dental Centre, a reference to her campaigning to improve the health of mothers and babies.

Along with her mother and Mary Higgs, Marjory was one of the founders of the Beautiful Oldham Society.

She was a school governor at Limeside School, now Oasis Academy Limeside.

Marjory’s Blue Plaque will be unveiled on September 9, her 145th birthday, as part of the Oldham Histories Festival 2023.

Werneth Councillor Nyla Ibrahim said: "Marjory Lees was an exceptional woman who made a huge contribution to Oldham, and especially to improving women’s lives.

"Werneth’s Labour Councillors are proud to commemorate her and to have paid for the blue plaque which will be unveiled on September 9.

"Both suffragists and suffragettes faced hostility and strong opposition to their campaigns to get votes for women and Marjory was brave and determined in the work she did."

Councillor Shoab Akhtar added: "Marjory Lees’ gift of Werneth Park to the people of Oldham has made a huge difference to generations of children, including my own, who have played in the park.

"It is only right that she gets a blue plaque marking her life."

Councillor Fida Hussain said: "I hope that people will join us for the unveiling at 12.30pm on September 9 at Werneth Park House, and book on the tour from 11am to discover the history of the park and house."

To get involved on the day, just search for histories festival on www.oldham.gov.uk

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