Celebrating The Women Who Made Barton Hill at Ridgeway Rise
At Ridgeway Rise Care Home, we were proud to support our residents in learning about "The Women That Made Barton Hill", a unique community history project created by the Barton Hill History Group in collaboration with the Wellspring Settlement. The project aims to research and share information about the extraordinary women who have made significant changes to Barton Hill and the surrounding areas over the last 150 years.
A Special Community History Project
Over the past three years, the project has run workshops, presentations, exhibitions and heritage trails involving people of all ages. From six-year-olds to sixty-year-olds, art groups, health groups, walking groups and after-school groups have all taken part in practical activities to create blue plaques.
Hundreds of cardboard plaques were produced as part of the process, which helped to create ten actual plaques that will be displayed around the streets of Barton Hill, with ten women chosen to be represented in the first stage, each with a remarkable story to tell.
Honouring Remarkable Local Women
Some of the women recognised included Hilda Cashmore, the first warden of the University Settlement, known for her courage and commitment to the disadvantaged. Winifred Gill was an innovative artist, teacher and social reformer who worked at the Settlement for many years. Hilda Jennings was a community activist who supported the people of Barton Hill during the Slum Clearance scheme, when the community was torn apart.
The list did not end there. Grace Bevan, who formed a horse riding school during the Second World War blitz was also honoured, as well as Pat Charles, a national freestyle swimming champion; and Maureen Stone, a local newsagent and shopkeeper who helped run the local economy for many years.
The project also recognises the cotton factory girls who led the struggle for better working conditions in 1889, Flo Weeks, one of the last cotton factory workers, Olive Howard, a machinist at the local corset factory, and Eunice Beck, a World War Two welder at Lysaghts.
A Personal Connection for Our Residents
Maureen Stone’s story held particular meaning for many residents, as she was a familiar figure in the local community. Maureen and her husband took over the newsagent shop from her parents-in-law after the war, working long hours to support their family and the local area. She tended to the morning shift and kept a well-organised home, always putting the needs of her family and customers first.
Her memories of the shop and the daily routines of the community brought back many shared recollections for residents. Maureen’s dedication, not just to her family and friends, but to her shop and community reflected the spirit of so many women who helped shape Barton Hill.
Continuing the Legacy
Last month, Alexander Smith and Jen Grove led a Women That Made Barton Hill Heritage Trail, taking in the ten plaques during a short walk from the Wellspring Settlement. The trail offered a wonderful opportunity for residents and the wider community to engage with local history and celebrate the contributions of these remarkable women.
At Ridgeway Rise Care Home, we value projects that connect residents with their local heritage and create meaningful conversations. If you would like to find out more about life at our home and the ways we encourage residents to stay engaged with their community, please get in touch with our friendly team today. We would be delighted to share more about our activities and the welcoming environment we create every day.
