https://youtu.be/f2gSoXfBq68

2018 marks a momentous year in which we plan to celebrate the achievements of women in communities, trade unions and politics. This year is 130 years since women were allowed to vote in local elections and 100 years since the Representation of People's Act afforded women, over the age of 30, the same voting rights as men. Furthermore, 2018 also celebrates 150 years of the TUC.

These key points in our history have been the catalyst to the formation of our group and we aspire to raise the profile of female trade unionists, Politicians and community activists.

The group will work with local community groups to draw upon our history and heritage and will seek to enhance community engagement and cohesion by involving different generations. Initially designing a small section of the patchwork banner which will showcase causes and passions from woman's groups. We will come together at Spennymoor Settlement on 24th February with quilter Mary Turner to design the final quilt banner from which we will take inspiration to design our final official Women's Banner Group Banner.

We are excited to march through the historic, cobbled streets at the 2018 Durham Miners' Gala, with our group, to celebrate our achievements and raise the profile of working class women in the Trade Unions, Politics and communities.