A Truly Extraordinary event!
A Truly Extraordinary event!
Over 180 people attended the two day celebration of the Extraordinary Women of Mossley during Heritage Open Days in September.
Mossley Civic Society’s Heritage Centre (the ‘hidden gem’ based in the corner of the Emmaus courtyard on Queen Street) played host to visitors from places as far flung as Rochdale, Glossop and even Madrid – and of course from the whole Saddleworth area.
A small group worked together to research fifteen Extraordinary Women from Mossley’s past and then matched them with fifteen women from Mossley doing similar activities today. During this research process the group discovered that of course there were so many women doing so much for their local community that they eventually decided on a further display celebrating the achievements of another twelve women.
Visitors to the exhibition were also asked to name women who they believe should be celebrated because of their contributions to Mossley and it is expected that this number will steadily grow during the time the display remains (at least until the end of October).
The displays of these women and their life stories were launched on Friday the 7th and on Saturday the 8th the exhibition was visited by the modern ‘matching’ women including a sprightly 96 years young activist; the Mayor of Mossley; a local Councillor; stalwart fundraisers,; the Chair of the Civic Society; a midwife and so on.
Stories were fascinating and varied – of the flamboyant Sally Moss (who wore ostrich feathers in her hats and had a special seat saved for her in the cinema); the much loved Dr Gilchrrist; the glamorous actress who ran away with one of her father’s mill workers; the mountain climbing civic leader and the Brownie and Guides Commissioner – these were just a few of those biographies really enjoyed by all of the visitors, many of whom promised to return as the displays were so fascinating.
And on the wettest Saturday imaginable the Milltown Cloggies entertained – first of all outside the Centre and then as the deluge increased, inside the Centre where the stone flagged floor proved slightly small but eminently suitable for some superb clog dancing.
Organisers were delighted with the response and are now even considering putting together a book about these extraordinary women who gave so much of their time and energy to the community of their beloved Mossley.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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