In the 100th anniversary year of votes for women, Loughborough College students have been gaining an insight into the suffragette movement that fought for it.
Andy McWilliam from Chorus Theatre, who previously worked with the College on the town’s Night of the Zeppelin centenary tribute, spent time with Performing Arts students exploring the impact of women’s activism during this period.
“The workshop and discussions looked at key figures and moments during this early twentieth century period, such as suffragette Emily Davison.
“Emily went on hunger strike seven times, was force fed on 49 occasions, was arrested nine times and eventually died in 1913 when she walked on to the track during the Epsom Derby and was hit by King George V’s horse,” said creative arts lead Emma Ledsam.
“There were some very interesting discussions which developed into a debate on whether 16 year olds should be given the vote, with some incredibly eloquent points raised by our students.
“This was then followed by a secret ballot which found the students to be equally split on fors and againsts.
“The workshop with Andy offered our students an excellent opportunity to learn more about the suffragette movement and to examine some extremely important issues.”
Pictured: Loughborough College performing arts students gain an insight into the suffragette movement with Andy McWilliam