THE WOMEN'S PEACE CRUSADE PROJECT

Pulling together a number of volunteer researchers, from towns in East Lancashire, Dr. Alison Ronan, Ali to her friends, wanted to uncover the untold stories of the local women who risked everything to support the call for a negotiated peace.

In March 2016 the first meeting was held at Manchester Central Library to find out what we wished to achieve, what we could achieve realistically and how we would go about it. Enthusiasm was high and it was decided that our research would be published in a slim book and backed up by a short film (about 20 minutes). The film would be created by the Clapham Film Unit and filmed in the home localities as far as possible.

The Project had the support of 'Voices of War and Peace', Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Centre for Regional History and Archives+. Volunteer researchers arrived at the meeting from Manchester, Oldham, Bolton, Blackburn, Rochdale, Burnley and Nelson.

Financial support came from the AHRC World War One Engagement Centre: 'Voices of War and Peace', based at the University of Birmingham, and from the Manchester Centre for Regional History at Manchester Metropolitan University.

By December 2016 everything was in place, after some unexpected and sometimes surprising findings ... the filming was finished; we'd seen and enjoyed the first viewing. The book had been discussed, edited and sent to the publishers. A launch date of February 2nd in Manchester Central Library was decided. On the first day it was announced,100 admission tickets were reserved necessitating a 2nd Manchester 'launch' a month later!

As can be seen from the photos in the GALLERY, the launch was a tremendous success and thrilled all those of us who had taken part.

At this moment of writing (5th February), the 2nd 'launch' has yet to happen and, after that, a talk and film showing will do the rounds of interested institutions and organisations.

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