President Michelle Daws launches our Regional Project for 2024…
Unsung Heroines of Midland Chase
In collaboration with Rosie’s Plaques, part of The Common Lot CIC Theatre Company which is based in Norwich, members are invited to identify, research, and discuss unsung heroines of Midland Chase – local women or groups of women/girls who have made a real difference in their local geographical area and yet whose contribution remains “unsung” or invisible.
These should be women/girls of whom most of us know little, and who certainly have no statues or Blue Plaques celebrating them. So for example Betty Boothroyd or Clarice Cliff – excellent though they were – would not qualify for our project. Neither would women or girls who are still living.
I’d like to invite every club to participate in this project which will run from January – September 2024, and I’d like every member to be involved in some way or another…How you organise it all is up to you of course.
So what do we have to do?
Each club is invited to work towards making one “Rosie’s Blue Plaque” in the name of one woman or group of women local to their club. With the assistance of Rosie’s Plaques we will make the actual plaques after our June Regional meeting at 2pm on Saturday 22nd June 2024 at Weston Village Hall.Before then each club needs to research, discuss, debate and select suitable local women who could be the subject of their club’s plaque.
Once you’ve made your final club choice, you’ll need to locate and negotiate a place where the plaque can be displayed – obtaining permission is an essential part of the exercise. You will need to have a “Plan B” location if your first choice of site is not available to you.
What’s the Timetable?
- Week 1 January 2024 – Briefing Materials issued to all members by Club Secretaries
- 17th January at 19’30hrs – Zoom Meeting with Siobhan O’Connor of Rosie’s Plaques. All welcome
- January – May – Research and Debate Phase, including options for location of the plaque
- May TBC – Zoom Meeting with Siobhan O’Connor of Rosie’s Plaques to review progress
- Early June – Decide on final choice of subject for your Club’s Blue Rosie’s Plaque and write the wording for your club’s plaque ready for 22nd June
- 22nd June at 14’00hrs – Plaque Making with tuition from members of Rosie’s Plaques
- 23rd June 2023 AM – Demoulding and collection of plaques
- June/July/August – Paint and finish plaques and install in chosen location. Take Photos!
- 21st September – AGM and Celebration of the 9 chosen women – Individual club presentations
FAQs
Is there a cost?
Rosie’s Plaques receive funding which will cover all materials, travel costs etc. Separately we will need to find accommodation for them for 2 nights and entertain them. The costs of this will be met from regional funds. We aim to accommodate the 4 Rosies with local Soroptimists if possible.
What if we want to make more than one plaque?
You can purchase the materials to do so and make as many as you like ultimately. On 22nd June however, each club will make one plaque only.
What if we can’t get permission to locate the plaque where we want to?
We suggest having at least a Plan B for an alternative location. Soroptimists are intrepid and imaginative – as long as we “keep it legal” so there’s no reputational damage to the Soroptimist “brand”, we are confident that clubs will find a way which works.
What about PR & Social Media for the project?
We expect clubs to handle that themselves for their “own unsung woman” (or group of women), and Region will promote the project more broadly too. This should take place throughout the life of the project – not just at the end/installation.
How many people from each club can attend the plaque making session?
As many as you like – though not everyone will be able to be hands on. There will be cake.
Can we choose women or girls who are alive now?
No.
Do we need to complete Project Report Forms?
It is a requirement that PRFs are completed for this project by each participating club. We suggest one form but with incremental updates as your project progresses. Don’t forget to log the hours spent by club members as part of this process.
What resources are available to us?
A Research Guide in PDF which you’ll find HERE. In addition you can learn more about Rosie’s Plaques HERE and also watch their YouTube video of Plaque making HERE.
Ladies I hope you’re inspired by this! I can’t wait personally and am really looking forward to learning about your local unsung heroines.
In friendship
Michelle Daws
President SI Midland Chase Region
January 2024