GUDE CAUSE EBULLETIN

SEPTEMBER 2009 (2)

With 3 weeks to go and more and more activities happening we are putting out another

September ebulletin to keep you all updated. We know there are just over 2,000 people

registered and that the majority will be dressing up for the occasion and many with their

own banners. It is going to be a great and colourful day. The song book is now launched

so if you want to learn the songs to be sung on the procession you can get your copy from

GUDE CAUSE. If your group has not yet registered, please do so NOW and don’t miss out.

Volunteer Marshals Wanted!

Gude Cause needs to recruit volunteer marshals to manage the smooth and safe running of

the Procession through Edinburgh on Saturday 10

women, children and men registered to take part and fully expect to nearly double that

number on the day.

Marshals will be fully briefed and report to the Chief Marshal on the morning of the event.

Approachable and helpful Marshals will have a vital role to play maintaining an even flow of

people throughout the Procession. Duties will include crowd management; liaising with

event organisers and emergency services. If you would like to volunteer contact Fiona

Skillen at gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk for further information and an application

form.

th October. We already have over 2,000

Gude Cause Song Book Now Available

On Friday 18

and laughter. It was a great night and a really inspiring start to the activities leading up to 10

October 2009. The song book has all the words and music you need to sing your heart out

on the procession. Well done to everyone who was involved in producing and publishing

the Songbook, organising the launch and of course the singing!

The Gude Cause Songbook can be purchased for £5.00 in advance of the procession from

Gude Cause

th September The Gude Cause Songbook was well launched with much singing

Banner-making at Ladyfest

Banner-making at Ladyfest at the bowery on Saturday 26 September 11.30am till 11.30 pm

is running a drop in banner making session all day drop in but with a bit of facilitation

around 1.30pm….please do come along and join in the fun, its family friendly and there’s a

lot to choose from …

.www.ladyfestedinburgh.com

The Edinburgh Lectures Thursday 1st October

1st October 6pm at Edinburgh City Chambers

Speaker:

Helena Kennedy

Tickets must be pre-booked

Book Online: The Hub tickets

In person: The Hub, Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE

Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm

Telephone: 0131 473 2000

Lecture and Exhibition on Dr Elsie Inglis, Edinburgh pioneer of social & war

medicine 2nd October 2009

7.30pm Main School Hall

Speakers – Ian McFarlane with Tam Dalyell, politician and Dr. Paula Midgely, Consultant

Neonatologist.

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, Garscube Terrace Edinburgh EH12 6BG

Gude Cause at the People’s Palace, Glasgow 3

rd October 2009

Visit the People’s Palace on 3

since the Woman’s Suffrage Procession along Princes Street, Edinburgh which supported

Women’s right to vote. Take part in a suffragette rally, find out about the Glaswegian

Suffragettes and younger visitors can even make their own badges and banners.

rd October for a day of events for all ages marking 100 years

11am – 11.45 am A Glasgow Suffragette

Meet Isabella Donald, a proud Glasgow Suffragette in the Foyer of the People’s Palace and in

the Winter Gardens

12: 30– 1:40 pm Badges and Banners (drop In)

In preparation for today’s rally, join us in making badges and banners to use on our

demonstration at 2pm. Here you will also learn the demonstration song.

1:45 pm – 1.55 pm: Dress Up!

Young people have the chance to dress up in period costume to be appropriately dressed to

attend the rally starting at 2pm

2pm – Votes For Women – A rally

Join Isabella Donald on a rally promoting the issue of Votes for Women. Please come along

no matter what your views are and join this lively demonstration.

3pm – A Gude Cause – Votes for Women

Join social history curator Fiona Hayes as she traces the development of the women’s

suffrage movement through Glasgow Museum’s Collection and explains why it was so

important to women.

The People’s Palace has a permanent display about women’s suffrage.

People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT

Tel: 0141 276 0788: www.glasgowmuseums.com

Please contact the People’s Palace for further information

Film at the Filmhouse

4

3 great films telling the stories of women’s activism:

th October at 1.00 pm at the Filmhouse £4.90/£3.30 More info Boxoffice 0131 228 2688

Red Skirts on Clydeside

Ethel Moorhead

The work they say is mine

A special screening for Gude Cause of films telling the stories of women’s activism. There will

be a brief introduction to the programme and a discussion session at the end. On the panel

will be Rosie Gibson and Diane Tammes (Dir. and Camerawoman of

Mine

Clydesid

The Work they say is); Mary Gordon (Dir. Ethel Moorhead); Elspeth King (who appears in Red Skirts one).

Gude Cause at the Movies!

In association with St Margaret’s School, Gude Cause presents the film

“Iron Jawed Angels”

at 7pm on Wed 7 October at St Margaret’s School, East Suffolk Road, Edinburgh

Refreshments will be provided and you will be welcome to join post screening discussion. If

you would like to attend please email pdeans@st-margarets.edin.sch.uk

Iron Jawed Angels is about the American women’s suffrage movement during the 1920s. It

was filmed in Virginia, produced by HBO Films and realised in 2004. It received a standing

ovation at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Katja von Garnier, it follows political

activists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as they use peaceful and effective strategies, tactics and

dialogues to revolutionize the American feminist movement to grant women the right to

vote. Starring Hilary Swank as Alice Paul and Frances O’Connor as Lucy Burns and Anjelica

Huston as Carrie Chapmen Catt.

Please contact Gude Cause – Film* if you would like to arrange a screening of this or other

selected films in your community *

gudecause@peaceandjustice.co.uk or jillianpdavey@gmail.com

Tel:

0131 552 2255

Chrystal and the General at the Story-telling Centre

8

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office 0131 556 9579 or 0131 556 2647

A piece of interactive story telling about Flora Drummond and Chrsytal Macmillan.

Performed by Suzanne Dance and Clunie Mackenzie; scripted by them with Jo Clifford.

In memory of Sue Innes.

th & 9th October at 7.30 pm

Votes for Women: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh

Museum of Edinburgh

142 Canongate, Edinburgh

tel: 0131 529 4143

31 July 2009 – 9 January 2010

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Admission Free

Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access

Free Talks and Workshops at the Museum of Edinburgh

To book your place call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963.

Saturday 24 October

Story telling workshop with Beth Cross, Storyteller

All ages and families: 10.30 am-12.30 pm repeated again 1.30 pm-3.30 pm

‘Afternoon Tea with Bessie Watson’

The story of how women’s right to vote was won features the narratives of many different

women, men…and children! Come and learn about the lives, friendships and inspiration of

those who changed the face of British citizenship. At the end, you’ll have a chance to put

lace, ribbon and tea doilies to your own ingenious use, drawing on the inspiration of the

museum’s exhibition.

Monday 26 October

Story Telling Workshop

‘Paths to Persuasion’ with Beth Cross

All ages and families: 10.30 am-12.30 pm and repeated again 1.30 pm-3.30 pm

During the campaign for women’s right to vote, women and men tried many different ways

to make their point. Peaceful, forceful or violent, hear the stories of the paths they chose

and decide for yourself the best way to have your say. Using the inspiration of the exhibition,

this session will explore the dedicated and imaginative efforts of those working for women’s

right to vote. At the end of the workshop you will have the chance to make your own point

– and wear it home.

The Lauriston Lectures 2009

Two related talks will be at Lauriston Castle and are part of the Lauriston Lectures 2009.

There is an £8 charge which includes a tour of the castle and refreshments. To book your

place call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963.

Tuesday 6 October 10.30 am

A Gude Cause Maks a Strong Arm

An illustrated talk that will recall the 1909 procession and stories of some eminent suffrage

campaigners in Edinburgh.

Lesley Orr, Women’s History Scotland

Wednesday 7 October 10.30 am

Ladies in Debate – how a Victorian Book Group became a nursery for Women’s Rights

Activists.

Sian Reynolds former professor of Stirling University

Ways of Seeing the Suffragettes

A 15 minute film documenting a project exploring issues around women’s suffrage

undertaken by the Ways of Seeing Group.

Made in association with National Museums Scotland and the Ways of Seeing Group, City of

Edinburgh Council, Community Learning and Development, Forth Neighbourhood.

Sun 11th October 2009 12:45, 13:45, 14:45

Dunfermline Room, National Museums Scotland, Chamber Street AND showing later at

Museum of Edinburgh as part of the Votes for Women exhibition

Mid October onwards

‘Bonnie Fechters’: Women in Scottish Society 1850 – 2000

Open Studies programme at the University of Edinburgh: ‘Bonnie Fechters’: Women in

Scottish Society 1850 – 2000. The course begins on Wednesday 30 September from 10.00 am

- 12 noon for 11 weeks in the Pentlands Room, 12 Buccleuch Place and details are in the

Open Studies 2009 -10 brochure or online at www.ed.ac.uk/openstudies

Help us create a virtual photo gallery

Gude Cause will be opening a ‘virtual gallery’ at flikr.com with an exhibition of photos of

wonderful Gude Cause events to date. You will be able to upload your own photos of your

events. Some photos of the event at E. Lothian are already on view at

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=Gude+Cause&m=text

Do please upload your photos and video clips to the Gude Cause Group on flikr.com and

help us create a memorable virtual exhibition of all the events happening around Scotland

and as a record of our great day. You can add a tag to your photo giving details of who, what

and where it was taken. Let us know if you need help to do this.

Gude Cause Toolkits still available

This is the essential guide for all groups participating in the 10

toolkit is designed to help groups research, plan and carry out activities relevant to their

own community and interests in the run up to October’s commemorative procession in

Edinburgh.

The toolkit is full of useful information and instructions, with over twenty pages of

photocopyable sheets about the 1909 procession and how to take part in the 2009

procession. The Toolkit will help you carry out your own local research on the activities of

Scottish suffragettes and suffragists. It provides everything you need to prepare your group –

take the Gude Cause Quiz, design your own banners, sashes and rosettes to wear on the

procession.

The Toolkit is freely available for community groups, local libraries and schools.

Order your free toolkit by contacting:

th October procession. Thegudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk

Gude Cause Flyers

There are new Gude Cause flyers available with simple details of time and meeting place for

the Procession on Saturday 10 October 2009. If you would like some for distribution please

contact

gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT GUDE CAUSE

gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk Phone 0131 229 0993

 

August E-bulletin

GUDE NEWS: OVER 1,500 HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE

PROCESSION

Over 1,500 individuals and groups have confirmed their participation in the Gude Cause procession. Groups from across Scotland include trade unions, youth groups, women’s and children’s groups and groups set up specifically for Gude Cause. Many have indicated they will be dressing up and bringing their own banners.

Have you booked? Please book as soon as possible as it helps us with organising stewarding and safety.

Thank you to those who included a donation with their booking, we really appreciate your much needed support.

 

Scottish Parliament supports Gude Cause:

Shirley-Anne Somerville lodged a parliamentary member’s motion lodged on 30th July.

S3M-04644# Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (Scottish National Party):

Votes for Women

Women: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh

Edinburgh from 31 July 2009 to 9 January 2010; notes that the exhibition uses photos and artefacts to chart the long struggle to win the vote, which was eventually granted to all women in 1928; further notes that at the height of the campaign in October 1909 a grand pageant was held in Edinburgh and to honour its 100 year anniversary and history of women’s activism a re-enactment march will take place on 10 October 2009; encourages all women to join in the parade in honour of all suffragettes who fought hard for all sisters to have a free vote; congratulates the Gude Cause, based at the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, for organising the march and complementary events, and further notes that more information can be found at www.gudecause.org.uk.

Supported by: Anne McLaughlin, Rob Gibson, Marlyn Glen, Jackie Baillie, Jim Tolson, Bill Kidd, Dr Christopher Harvie, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Jamie Hepburn, Bob Doris, Ken Macintosh, Dr Alasdair Allan, Mike Pringle, Aileen Campbell, Michael Matheson, Elaine Smith, Rt Hon Jack McConnell, Angela Constance, Gil Paterson, Christina McKelvie

Gude Cause Toolkit now available to order free of charge

Thanks to financial support from the Scottish Community Foundation’s Schiehallion Fund, Gude Cause toolkit is now available. The toolkit is designed to help groups to research, plan and carry out activities relevant to their own community and interests in the run up to October’s commemorative procession in Edinburgh.

Gude Cause communities throughout Scotland so they have lasting benefit for those involved. The toolkit is full of useful information and instructions, including more than twenty pages of photocopiable sheets on how to find out about suffrage activities in you locality, how to research on-line the activities of Scottish suffragettes and suffragists, how to make banners of local significance and rosettes to wear on the procession, information about the 1909 procession and how to take part in the 2009 procession.

For more information and to order your toolkit please contact: gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk

Banner Making Workshops

Gude Cause have organised Banner Making Workshops in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow led by Marylou Anderson

Edinburgh, Sat 26th Sept,The Bowery, Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh

Drop in session from 12-5 as part of the Ladyfest Edinburgh weekend programme

 

Dundee International Women’s Centre

Thursday 20 th August 5.30pm – 8pm

Unit 9, Manhattan Business Park, Dundonald Street

Dundee, DD3 7PY

01382 462 058

 

Date for your diary – Gude Cause Song Book Launch: Edinburgh

18th September 7.00 – 9.00 pm at Edinburgh Central Reference Library. The songbook features all the songs that will be sung during the procession. The songbook will be available for sale at the launch and will also be for sale at the procession on Oct 10th.

Dundee News

A Gude Cause March will be held first in Dundee 9.30am then in Edinburgh 1pm on Saturday 10 th October 2009. You are invited to come to one or both. Return bus available from Dundee through DVA. March into City Square, Dundee, the proposed route will incorporate short sections of the Women’s Trail. Assemble at 9.15am and leave for the City Square at 9.30am. Speakers, drumming and singing in city square. Marilyn Glen MSP confirmed as a speaker. Free bus leaving Dundee 10.30am for Edinburgh Contact Christine Lowden 01382 305740 or christinelowden@number10.org for further information.

 

Glasgow News

Unison offices

Next Glasgow organising meeting date Thursday 3 rd September in Unison Offices 18 Albion Street, at 5.00 pm all welcome. Anyone in Glasgow (especially groups) who would like to organise joint travel arrangements to the Procession please contact Alison Kelly from the Unison Group (alison.j.kelly@hotmail.co.uk)

 

GUDE CAUSE HITS THE FRINGE!

What Women Want

Diverse Attractions, Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket 17

Tickets £9.00 conc. £7.00 from Fringe Box Office

Citadel Arts Group and WEA.

The suffragettes changed Scotland. From Princes Street to the trenches, they fought for the vote. Fire-raisers, sweethearts, doctors, daughters and housemaids seek the vote in the humorous, musical, moving tribute to years of struggle for equality.

 

Votes for Women: The Women’s Suffrage movement in Edinburgh

Exhibition at Museum of Edinburgh, 142 Canongate, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 529 4143, 31July 2009 -January 2010, Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 2 -5 during the International Festival, Admission Free (unfortunately there is no wheelchair access)

One hundred years ago, no women and not every man had the right to vote for a Member of Parliament. Using images, original artefacts and eye-witness accounts,

this exhibition tells the story of the struggle to win the vote for women, from the mid-19 century to 1928, when the right to vote was finally achieved. The exhibition is a contribution to the Gude Cause, a programme of events leading up to a re-enactment of the Edinburgh Procession and Women’s Demonstration of the 9 October 1909.

You will find out about Bessie Watson, who was nine years old when she played the bagpipes in the 1909 Procession, and see the scarf of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) she wore on that day. You will meet Nannie Brown who walked 400 miles from Edinburgh to London, with other members of the Women’s Freedom League (WFL), to collect signatures for a petition to the Prime Minister. You will learn about the women who campaigned, went on hunger strike endured forcible feeding for the ‘gude cause’..Free talks and Workshops at the Museum of Edinburgh. To book your place call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963.

Saturday 5 September, 10.30 am-12.30 pm repeated again 1.30 pm-3.30 pm

Make a suffragette sash to wear at the Procession on 10 October 2009. With Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Suitable for older children and adults

The suffragettes wore sashes to get their message across, and decorated them in the suffragette colours of green, white and violet. Come along and make your own colourful sash, using a variety of beautiful fabrics and ribbons, and spell out your own message to wear with pride.

Tuesday 1 September 2 pm

Illustrated talk with Tiana Sidey, researcher ‘Scottish Suffragists, a brief look at the background to the women’s suffrage movement in Scotland, illustrated through the lives of some Edinburgh women’.

Saturday 24 October

Story telling workshop with Beth Cross, Storyteller. All ages and families

10.30 am-12.30 pm repeated again 1.30 pm-3.30 pm. ‘Afternoon Tea with Bessie Watson’

The story of how women’s right to vote was won features the narratives of many different women, men…and children! Come and learn about the lives, friendships

and inspiration of those who changed the face of British citizenship. At the end, you’ll have a chance to put lace, ribbon and tea doilies to your own ingenious use, drawing on the inspiration of the museum’s exhibition.

Monday 26 October

Story Telling Workshop ‘Paths to Persuasion’ with Beth Cross

10.30 am-12.30 pm and repeated again 1.30 pm-3.30 pm. All ages and families

During the campaign for women’s right to vote, women and men tried many different ways to make their point. Peaceful, forceful or violent, hear the stories of the paths they chose and decide for yourself the best way to have your say. Using the inspiration of the exhibition, this session will explore the dedicated and imaginative efforts of those working for women’s right to vote. At the end of the workshop you will have the chance to make your own point – and wear it home.

Thursday 12 November 2 pm

Illustrated talk -’Women and the struggle for equality’. Helen Kay will focus her talk on the suffragist and campaigner for peace, Chrystal Macmillan and examine the aims and activities of the Gude Cause. Helen Kay is a member of Gude Cause and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

Thursday 19 November 2 pm

Illustrated talk – ‘For God and Home and Every Land’: Scottish-American connections in the suffrage and temperance movements c1870-1914 with Dr Megan Smitley, researcher.

The Scottish suffrage movement mobilised the participation of a wide range of women’s organisations. In this talk, the significance of temperance women’s suffragism is highlighted through an exploration of connections with North American feminism. Megan will be signing copies of her newly published book – The feminine public sphere: middle-class women and civic life in Scotland, c1870-1914.

Thursday 3 December

‘Wearing the Colours – Jewellery and the women’s suffrage movement’. 2 pm illustrated talk Dr. Elizabeth Goring Principal Curator at the National Museums Scotland until 2008.

 

Two related talks will be at Lauriston Castle and are part of the Lauriston Lectures 2009. There is an £8 charge which includes a tour of the castle and refreshments. To book your place call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963.

Tuesday 6 October 10.30 am

A Gude Cause Maks a Strong Arm

An illustrated talk that will recall the 1909 procession and stories of some eminent suffrage campaigners in Edinburgh.

Lesley Orr, Women’s History Scotland, Wednesday 6 October 10.30 am

Ladies in Debate – how a Victorian Book Group became a nursery for Women’s Rights Activists.

Sian Reynolds former professor of Stirling University is an independent curator, writer and lecturer and was a

 

Film at the Filmhouse

4 films telling the stories of women’s activism:

4th October at 1.00 pm at the Filmhouse

Red Skirts on Clydeside

Ethel Moorhead

The work they say is mine

A special screening for Gude Cause of films telling the stories of women’s activism. There will be a brief introduction to the programme and a discussion session at the end

RED SKIRTS ON CLYDESIDE

A documentary which looks at the process of rediscovering women’s history using the 1915 Glasgow rent strike as a focal point. The rent strike, which took place during the First World War, was a protest against Glasgow landlords who were exploiting the war situation. The women of the tenements and the Glasgow Women’s Housing Association, including Jean Ferguson, organised a vigorous protest which forced the Government to take action. The film celebrates this victory and presents for discussion some of the problems in attempting to rediscover women’s past achievements.

Mary Barbour and Helen Crawford,

Dir: Jenny Woodley, Christine Bellamy. Prod: Sheffield Film Co-op. 1984.

ETHEL MOORHEAD

Ethel Moorhead was the first suffragette to be force-fed in a Scottish prison. She was imprisoned in Calton Jail, Edinburgh, for attempted fire-raising. She was hurriedly released, after developing double pneumonia as a result of being forced to eat. Film-maker Mary Gordon reveals her struggles. She symbolically smashed the glass case to the Wallace Sword in 1912 in the first militant action by any Scottish suffragette. Inspired by the uncompromising example of Scottish freedom-fighter, William Wallace, she wanted to let other women know that if they wanted the vote then they’d have to fight for it.

Dir Mary Gordon. 1995.

THE WORK THEY SAY IS MINE

This film celebrates women’s central role in the past and present of Shetland life. Interviews, dramatisation, fantasy, music and songs written and performed by local women are textured and woven together to form a montage of women’s lives as intricate and colourful as the knitting for which the islands are famous. Crofting, fishing and knitting are all part of their lives’ rich tapestry. The film presents and represents the enormous contributions of women to the work, heritage, culture and spirit of the islands.

Dir. Rosie Gibson

 

Edinburgh: Chrystal and the General

8 th & 9th October at 7.00 pm

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre. A piece of interactive story telling about Flora Drummond and Chrystal Macmillan. Performed by Suzanne Dance and Clunie Mackenzie; scripted by them with Jo Clifford. In memory of Sue Innes.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT GUDE CAUSE

gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk

 

July 2009

AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE PROCESSION

Our Registration Form & General Information pack gives you all the information you need to sign your group up to take part in the procession and be part of this great day out. Forms are available to download from our website or if you would like us to send you a copy email or call Fiona Skillen at Gude Cause, gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk Telephone: 0131 229 0993

 

REMAKE THE LOST EDINBURGH BANNER

1.0 – 4.00 pm, Saturday 26th July

McDonald Road Library

A chance to re-create a bit of history. Gude Cause has been trying

unsuccessfully (so far) to locate the whereabouts of the original Edinburgh Banner from the 1909 procession. However, we have photographs and on 26th July we will remake a banner for Edinburgh based on the original design. Please come along and join in the fun. To book a place contact marylou anderson

 

VOTES FOR WOMEN

The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh

31 July 2009 – 9 January 2010

Museum of Edinburgh

Huntly House, 142 Canongate,

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

 

This exhibition charts the long struggle to win the vote which was eventually granted to all women in 1928. At the height of the campaign to win the vote, a grand historical pageant was held in Edinburgh in October 1909. A re-enactment will take place on 10 October 2009 and this exhibition is being staged to complement this event. The exhibition examines the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh and will include photos and artefacts from that period.

 

FESTIVAL OF POLITICS

A Gude Cause – Women, Peace and Scottish Politics

17.30 (18.30) Committee Room 1 FREE but ticketed (book in advance)

October 1909 witnessed a ‘grand pageant’ for women’s suffrage, in Edinburgh’s Princes Street. With reduced female representation in the Scottish Parliament, Gude Cause has been formed to re-enact the event and inspire renewed action for gender equality. Here an expert panel discuss how devolution can continue to improve the position of Scottish women, and bring less confrontational politics, as favoured by early suffragists such as Chrystal McMillan

Book A Gude Cause – Women, Peace and Scottish Politics online

 

GLASGOW GROUP

The next meeting of the Glasgow Group will be held on Thursday 6 August, 5pm, in the Unison offices, 18 Albion Street. For further info please see the Glasgow Section of the Website or contact Valerie Wright V.Wright@dundee.ac.uk

 

Get in touch……….

Tell us about your events and activities and we will highlight them in our ebulletin and on our website. For further information on any of the above, or to make a donation or discuss your ideas email

gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk or call 0131 229 0993 or visit our website www.gudecause.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Happening ….?

 

The EIS Art Competition

In conjunction with Gude Cause, the EIS are sponsoring an arts competition for school-aged children in Edinburgh.

 

‘The aim of the competition is to encourage pupils to learn more about the campaign for women’s suffrage and think about its contribution to widening democracy and its impact on women’s lives then and now. Entries will show creative and imaginative ways to represent that learning. 

 

Entries may use any medium e.g writing in any form; art work of any sort; IT – web page, film, power point; music.

There will be 3 age categories and individual and group sections in all three.

The winning individual entrant in each age category will be awarded £100 for the entrant and £100 for the school.  The winning group entry in each category will be awarded £200 for their school.’ 

More information available: www.edinburgheis.co.uk

 

Visits and Talks

Gude Cause had a stall at the The City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership community event at the Assembly Rooms on Thursday 4th June 09, showing photographs and press report of the original 1909 procession.  Several women signed up to receive the Gude Cause ebulletin.

 

In Glasgow

Glasgow Group had a really productive meeting with lots great ideas and suggestions for getting involved in Gude Cause.   It is hoped that this will be the first of many meetings with a provisional date for the next meeting of Thursday 9th July, 6pm, Unison Offices, Albion Street.  We will post the date on the Gude Cause website when it is confirmed. If you would like information about the Glasgow Group please email Valerie Wright V.Wright@dundee.ac.uk or check for updates on the Glasgow page of the Gude Cause Website.

 

In Edinburgh

Lesley Orr gave a talk about Gude Cause for the Young at Heart group on Friday 5 June at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

 

Helen Kay spoke about Gude Cause to the Jubilee Group on Monday 8 June at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.   The talk inspired lots of discussion about the tensions, past and present, between women’s role in the family and in the workplace.

 

Lothian Women’s Forum & Protest in Harmony

Songs of the Edinburgh Procession Workshop

 

Thursday 11 June 2009, 7.00pm-9.00pm

Room 1, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh

With Jane Lewis and Penny Stone

Song leaders with Protest in Harmony

In support of Gude Cause, the WEA Lothian Women’s Forum and Protest in Harmony are holding a song workshop for people to learn the Gude Cause Procession Songs.  These 8 songs will be sung by people taking part in the re-enactment of the Procession on 10^th October, and

 

those turning out to cheer them on.  To book a place fill in the registration form on the Gude Cause events page.

 

The radical singing group Protest in Harmony (www.protestinharmony.org.uk) has been researching songs of suffrage and writing new lyrics and songs celebrating women’s activism.   

 

The Procession

Registration forms are just about ready for release and will be sent out by email to those on our mailing list and available to download from our website.    It is important that all groups register in advance and we would appreciate registration from individuals so that we can gauge attendance and organise adequate stewarding.

Festival of Politics

Friday 21 August, at 5.30pm in Committee Room 1
Chaired by Sarah Boyack with panel including Elspeth King and Joyce McMillan and other prominent feminists to be announced.
Gude Cause was launched to give a history lesson on the street, and to inspire renewed action on gender equality issues. Female representation has fallen in the Scottish Parliament since the first elections in 1999.    Despite this, devolution can and is improving the position of women in Scotland, leading to a more pragmatic, less confrontational style of politics, as favoured by Chrystal Macmillan and early suffragist founders of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

What Women Want

WEA play about events leading up to and immediately following the procession, had its first airing at Riddles Court, where the first public reading was warmly received by a full house. Feedback forms were provided and will be used to fine tune the work in time for the Festival. There is still opportunity to get involved is costume making at Riddles Court. Email Liz Hare for details ( lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk ).

 

 

Banner-making

Two new banners were designed at the Bannermaking workshop run by Iyaah Warren on Saturday 30^th May The Gude Cause banner takes its inspiration from the original Gude Cause

 

 banner from the 1909 march and the second banner takes ‘THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES’ as its main message.    Thanks to £1,000 funding awarded by Community Chest fund Gude Cause are able to support further bannermaking workshops across Scotland.  Check the Gude Cause website for details and photos (www.gudecause.org.uk).

 

 

More Bannermaking Workshops …

Gude Cause will be holding monthly themed Banner making workshops in the lead up to the procession at McDonald Road Library.  The next one takes place from 1-3 pm on Sunday 14^th

 

June.  The theme will be to remake or create a modernisation of the original Edinburgh Banner (the one that’s lost). We have images of it and we can stick to the original design or give it a contemporary twist.
July’s theme has yet to be decided.  A spray painting workshop for girls and young women will be held in August and individual banners/pennants workshop planned for September. 

 

 

Ways of Seeing

National Museums Scotland are working with Ways of Seeing, to research the history of the struggle for voting rights for women.  Ways of Seeing are a group of mature female adult learners from Pilton and Granton in Edinburgh, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Children & Family Department.  They hope to use the Museum’s collections to explore women’s identity in society and their role in the family.  The project will be documented through audio, photography and film recordings with a final, short film shown at the National Museum of Scotland and North Edinburgh Arts Centre in October 2009.

 

 

Quilting Exhibition

Sarah Boyack MSP has very kindly agreed to host an exhibition of the quilts created to commemorate the event.  Better still she has even offered to add her own square.  We now have almost fifty squares with more arriving daily.  There is still time to make sure that your design is part of the quilt. Visit our website for full instructions. 

 

 

Music

To see words and hear parts for songs to be sung on the procession see forthcoming link on Gude Cause website or go directly to www.protestinharmony.org.uk  The songs will be on the website very soon!

 

Get in touch …

Tell us about your events and activities and we will highlight them in our ebulletin and on our website.  For further information on any of the above, or to make a donation or discuss your ideas email gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk or call 0131 229 0993 or visit our website www.gudecause.co.uk

 

 

Whats been happening…

Visits and Talks

Glasgow

Special trains, finding the Glasgow banner, making a new Glasgow banner, looking at granny’s suffagette teacups …. just some of the issues discussed at a scintillating meeting in Glasgow last Wednesday.  The Women’s Library provided a welcoming atmosphere for some very enthusiastic women who have decided to set up a Glasgow group – the date and place to be announced in the next week.

 

Dundee

As I write this, women are planning to meet on Monday evening, 11 May in Dundee ….more news about their planned activities in the next ebulletin.

 

Edinburgh

Lesley Orr will be giving a talk

Welcome to our new administrator

Fiona Skillen joined us in April and is already proving a valuable asset to Gude Cause.  Fiona’s main task will be working on registration for the procession and getting to grips with our mushrooming database to ensure everyone is updated on developments.    

 

Procession route confirmed

Finally, after much negotiation, we have finalised the route the procession will take.  Gathering at Bruntsfield links we will head down Middle Meadow Walk, Forrest Road, George IV Bridge, High Street, North Bridge, Waterloo Place and finishing with a rally at Calton Hill. 

 

 

Bannermaking Workshops

Starting 20th May

New Committee member Marylou is co-ordinating our Bannermaking sub group and will be setting up a Bannermaking group to meet regularly.  The first meeting of the group is on 20^th May times and venue to be confirmed please email marylou anderson  for further information.  Everyone welcome, please bring your own scissors. 

Bannermaking Workshop with Iyaah Warren

30th May, 1.00-5.00pm, McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh

Gude Cause will be running a special ‘no sewing’ Bannermaking workshop to design a Gude Cause Banner for the procession.  Please bring your own scissors (dressmaking preferably) and any bits of cotton materials you may have. To book a place please contact gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk  0131 229 0993

 

 

Rosette-making Workshop

The Africa Centre

16th&23rd May 2009,

1-5pm McDonald Road Libary

Book your place in advance – Contact 0131 557 6145

Aimed at women from all ethnic backgrounds.  Get ready for the procession by making rosettes using the colours of the suffragette movement – Purple, White and Green with an image of a woman who inspires you in the centre.  The Rosettes can be attached to sashes or pinned to your clothing for the procession

 

Quilting

Quilting squares continue to arrive almost daily.  Visit our website to view a couple of examples and if you feel inspired full instructions on how to get started on creating your own.

 

Music

To see words and hear parts for songs to be sung on the procession see forthcoming link on Gude Cause website or go directly to www.protestinharmony.org.uk  The songs will be on the website very soon!

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon….

 

Gude Cause Film

In the Pipeline

 

Mary Keegan’s ‘Ways of Seeing’ Group will be filmed as they look into suffragism and women’s history.  The film will be screened at the Royal Museum of Scotland in the run up to the event.

A triple bill of films of Scottish heroines is planned for October.

Choose a particular female historical character, or period, dress up & star in the film which will be made of The Gude Cause Procession – details on all will follow

Get in touch…. 

 

Tell us about your events and activities and we will highlight them in our ebulletin and on our website.  For further information on any of the above, or to make a donation or discuss your ideas email gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk or call 0131 229 0993 or visit our website www.gudecause.co.uk

 

GUDE CAUSE
e-bulletin & Update

March 2009

GUDE CAUSE QUILTING PROJECT – Our first Squares have arrived

Do you notice that she has taken the theme of “Unity” and created a “U” within each square? How clever!

Need some inspiration or support to get started or want to meet up with other quilters – join the quilting bee from 6-9pm at Engender, on one of the following dates. All welcome!
Mon 6 April
Mon 4 May
Mon 1 June
There are “instructional sheets” to get you started available on our website.

What’s been happening ………..

Gude Cause Fundraising Concert

Gude Cause celebrated International Women’s Day with a fundraising concert on Sunday 8 March. A wonderful night packed full of inspiring women singers and musicians. Many thanks to all who took part and gave their time and talents freely. Special thanks to the organizers who pulled together what was an inspirational evening. Not only was the event successful in bringing women together, it also raised £400.

Visits and talks

March was a busy month with Gude Cause being invited to take part in events and hold stalls at International Women’s Day events.
Helen Kay attended North Edinburgh Arts IWD event where women took an interest in the display of suffrage posters and photographs of the Edinburgh Suffrage Procession of 1909. There were several inspiring and worthwhile workshops but Helen was particularly pleased to see so many women taking an interest in the quilt-making project.
Susan Moffat attended the East Lothian’s IWD event remembering the Women Suffragettes of East Lothian with a full programme of speakers, banner making, and conversations with East Lothian Women activists, a sing a long and Victorian style café.
Lesley Orr attended the Kirkcaldy for IWD celebration organised by Kirkcaldy & District TUC.

Support

Gude Cause have received a grant to produce a ‘Toolkit’ of information and ideas to inspire women and groups to get started and set up their own local Gude Cause activities. We welcome any suggestions and examples of good work to include in the toolkit.

We were also successful in being awarded £3,005 from Women’s Fund for Scotland which allows us to appoint a much needed freelance part-time administrator.

Our first booking

A group of around thirty from the Communication Worker’s Union HQ in Wimbledon have booked their place on the process. They will be in attending a union meeting in Edinburgh on the Friday and are staying on for the procession on Saturday. They will be coming with banners!

……………….. apart from that discussions continue with CEC on the proposed route for the procession ……………….. But we do know that it will happen on Saturday 10 October 2009, starting from Bruntsfield Links about 12 noon and end with songs and speeches on Calton Hill in late afternoon.

SONGS FOR THE PROCESSION

Protest in Harmony are working on a collection of songs and music to be sung on the procession. You will be able to download words and music from Gude Cause and Protest in Harmony websites in May and they will be circulated to community/political choirs throughout the UK. A songbook is also being printed and song workshops in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are in the planning, details to follow.

The songs are:
1. The Right to Vote and a’ That – from time of 1909
2. Rosa’s Lovely Daughters – Rob Johnson
3. We are Remembering – Penny Stone
4. Bella Ciao – Greenham version
5. Gude Cause – Jane Lewis
6. Nana was a Suffragette – Jules Gibb
7. The Wimmin o’ Dundee – Sheena Wellington
8. Aint Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round – ?

Workshops and events coming up

WEA Edinburgh have organised three arts based courses:
‘Get Involved in Gude Cause through the Arts ‘.
Jewellery Making with Leah Bastiani- Mondays 7- 9pm – Drummond Community High School from 27th April for 6 weeks (£10 contribution for materials)
Banner Making with Iyaah Warren -Tuesdays 7-9pm Riddles Court 6 weeks from 28th April – aim is to make a wall hanging as a centre piece for the Museum of Edinburgh Suffrage Exhibition . (free).
Theatre Costume Workshop with Rebecca Roosman – Thursdays 10am to 12noon from 30th April for 10 weeks at Riddle’s Court. To research & design costume for the play WEA are preparing. (free)
To book a place contact: k.turner@weascotland.org.uk

February 2009

Welcome to the first of our regular e-bulletins to update you on
progress in preparation for what will be a great day! We will shortly be
launching the Gude Cause website where we hope you will post your own
events and plans to take part in the day.

PROCESSION PLAN

The committee are in negotiations with City of Edinburgh Council on the
route the procession will take. The original route started at
Bruntsfield Links – down Lothian Road, along Princes Street to St
Andrew’s Square – Waterloo Place and finishing at Calton Hill. Gude
Cause are keen to follow the original route as much as possible. We will
keep everyone informed of the outcome of the negotiations as they
develop. Below is a draft plan for the day and it will develop over the
coming months.

Leading the procession

A Piper:  Horses (including ‘Flora Drummond’ in uniform):  Gude Cause Banner and some ‘VIPs’

Representing the past 1909

Float:  Horse-drawn caravan? Singers

A walking Timeline

1909 – 2009, with costumes, banners, and information marking passage of decades, and achievements towards equality

MSPs, Councillors etc

Representing the Present

Drummers: Professions (grouped and in garb) led by placards for identification Unions Women’s Movement activists (local/national) Local authorities/areas of Scotland led by placards Jazz band Miscellaneous organisations and groups, carrying banners, placards with slogans etc

Representing the future

What still needs to change, and some of the new challenges for
feminism/women’s movement/equality campaigners (in Scotland and around the world)

Pipe band to bring up the rear; any other floats dispersed throughout
procession.

What else is happening?

As well as the procession itself there will be several other events
happening around Scotland.

Music and Song

Protest in Harmony are busy writing and learning songs to sing during
the procession. They will be producing song sheets with music for other
singers and choirs around the country to learn and perform on the day.
For more information contact Susan Moffat  susan.moffat@hotmail.co.uk

International Women’s Day Fundraising Event

Sunday 8th March 2009

The Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh

Tickets £6 AND £4.00 Concession

Tickets available from Peace and Justice Centre 0131 229 0993

Come and celebrate International Women’s Day with some great music and
song. With performances from Margaret Bennet, The Cast, Kathy Galloway,
Gica Loening, Alison McMorland, Protest in Harmony Choir, Stairheid
Gossip, Wildfire Women’s Choir Mae Shaw ….. and many more…. /

Sometimes singing seems to be the only sensible response!

The Quilting Challenge

Quilters (of all abilities!) are invited to submit quilting squares to
be made into a commemorative quilt. This might be a fun thing to get
together and do with your colleagues and/or volunteers. The theme is:
UNITY. You may interpret the theme however you like, but quilters are
asked that each quilt square incorporates each of the three colours, and
that finished squares should be 91/2” square (including 1/4” seam
allowance). Squares should be un-quilted (but pressed) and with no
adornments.

Join our quilting bee! On 1st Monday of every month from 6.00 – 9.00 pm
at Engender, 1a Haddington Place, Edinburgh. Absolute beginners very
welcome. Bring needle, thread, fabric (if you have it), if not just
bring yourself!

Post your quilted squares to: Sara-Jane Rice, 62/7 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh, EH11 2AY by August 16th, 2009. Any enquiries to:
sj_rice@hotmail.com or 07789 342 656

WEA Lothian Women’s Forum will be holding women and song workshops in June and September.

A Jewellery making class beginning in April looking
at the designs and purposes of the Suffragette Jewellery and the WEA
Playwriting group is scripting a play telling the story of the
suffragists and suffragettes to be performed at the Fringe 2009. They
are also working with the City of Edinburgh Council Museums Service to
create an exhibition opening in June telling the story of the struggle
of women’s suffrage and the part Edinburgh women played. For more
information contact  WEA  e.bryan@weascotland.org.uk Tel: 0131 225 2580

How you can get involved ……….

Keep in touch, let us know of your plans for taking part in the
procession and of any events you are hosting.

1.  Join the steering group organising the day – whether you have a
specific skill you can offer or can volunteer some time contact us.

2. Organise your own event to run in the lead up to the procession
celebrations

3.  Join the procession – organise your own float, banners and dress
up.

4.  Join our emailing list to receive regular updates on progress

What we need……..

Office space in central Edinburgh.

Funding, donations and sponsorship. Gude Cause is frantically filling in
funding application forms. If you know of any funding streams that may
help us please let us know. Thank you to those who have made personal
and organisational donations to Gude Cause, your support has helped us
greatly to get started.
Get in touch……….

For further information on any of the above, or to make a donation or
discuss your ideas email  gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk
or call 0131 229 0993