Historic venue celebrates Women's Rights heroine and launches fundraising scheme

The event, held on February 16, marked one hundred years since Muriel Matters took to the skies in an airship to distribute leaflets inscribed with the words ‘Votes For Women’ over the House of Commons. Famed for being the first woman to ‘speak’ in the House of Commons, because she chained herself to the grille of the Ladies Gallery that separated women from proceedings and obscured their view. The Police then had no choice but to remove the grille in order to free her.

Suffragette, lecturer, educator and actress, Muriel also once lived at 7, Pelham Crescent, Hastings, which is now part of the Grade II* listed building St Mary in the Castle. The historic town centre venue’s manager, Sean Berkeley says the event was a great opportunity to celebrate Muriel’s life and to launch a fundraising scheme.

“We had a fantastic day at the St Mary’s Matters to you! event,” he said. “The small exhibition of photographs gave a real insight into the life of Muriel.

“Hastings Mayor Judy Rogers attended and spoke about what Muriel Matters means to her and of the new council offices; renamed Muriel Matters House in her honour.”

Cllr Judy Rogers, who along with her mayoral duties is also secretary of the board of trustees of St Mary in the Castle Charitable Trust says Muriel Matters is very close to her heart, and if it hadn’t been for women like Muriel she would not have become mayor. “My great, great Aunt Minnie was a suffragette herself and I am so proud that St Mary in the Castle has this association with one of the most important women in the women’s rights movement in this country,” she said. “Her tireless campaigning inspired us to launch our own campaign to raise money for St Mary’s.

“St Mary’s should matter to everyone, it is such a wonderful building,

“I hope the people of Hastings care as much about the place as I do.”

Marcus Weeks, chairman of the board of trustees at St Mary’s spoke of the need for the people of Hastings to support the charity if it is to continue running as an arts centre. Urging local residents and businesses to dig deep and support the venue, Marcus Weeks says is not just about raising money. “It is also about letting people know what we are trying to do here,” he said. “We want people to get involved in any way they can.

“St Mary’s is available to hire for classes, rehearsals, private parties, music and theatre, we are also one of the most unique and interesting wedding venues in East Sussex and I can’t think of a better way to support the attraction than by hiring it for your wedding day.

“We have a fantastic venue here and we want it to be enjoyed by everyone in every kind of way.”

Sean says the hope is that the campaign will capture people’s imaginations and encourage them to get engaged with what’s happening.

“It’s not widely known that St Mary in the Castle does not receive any external funding, the charity is completely responsible for the upkeep and day to day running costs of the building. The maintenance costs alone are astronomical.

“St Mary’s is much loved by the people of Hastings but it really needs their support too. People can help in lots of different ways, from becoming a sponsor to putting on a fundraising event or by just giving a small donation. St Mary’s desperately needs help to keep the place open for the people of Hastings to enjoy, that is what the campaign ‘St Mary’s Matters to you! Is all about.”

For further information visit: www.stmaryinthecastle.co.uk

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