Town Council unveils Commemorative WW1 Plaques
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Hebden Royd Town Council invites the community of Hebden Royd to the unveiling of a World War I commemorative plaques.
"In recognition of the role of women and of the long-term suffering endured by many participants who survived the Great War of 1914-18."
These are the words which will feature on a plaque to be unveiled on Wednesday 8th May in each of the Memorial Gardens in our area, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. It is the final part of the Hebden Royd Town Council WW1 Centenary Commemorations, and part of Local and Community History Month.
The Mayor of Hebden Royd Cllr Dr Carol Stow said, “'War has long-term, widespread consequences - physical, mental, political and social. When considering appropriate ways to commemorate the end of WW1, Hebden Royd Town Council felt it would be appropriate to mark the role played by women.
“By taking on many of the roles which had traditionally been seen as male roles, they contributed to the shifting of attitudes to women and the granting of women’s suffrage, the right to vote. We also realised that traditionally ‘war memorials’ commemorate those who died.”
She added: “We wanted to remind people of the long-term suffering endured by many participants who survived the war. These plaques in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd will serve to remind us of both these consequences of the war. We are installing them in May, Local and Community History Month across the UK, and encourage people to reflect on the issues they highlight.”
Members of the community are welcome to join the Mayor for a short dedication at Hebden Bridge Memorial Gardens at 10:30am and/or Mytholmroyd Memorial Gardens at 1:30pm.
Copies of Women & Girls in the Upper Calder Valley 1914 – 19, written by local historian Julia Maybury and funded by Hebden Royd Town Council as part of the WW1 Centenary Commemorations, will also be given to members of the public. The community can also view the 2016 Stepping into the Past photographic exhibition by Mike Crawford.
For further information please contact Emma Green on 01422 842181 or email
