Ladywell Women have organised a history walk with local historian Julie Robinson on Sunday August 28. Julie, a former Local Studies Librarian with Lewisham Local History & Archives Centre, is well known for her Centenary display in 2018 celebrating some women getting the vote. She recently researched the lives of women buried in the cemeteries so walkers will be hearing their stories. It is a women only walk. There is no need to book and it is free. Meet at the Ladywell entrance of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries at 10.00am The organisers say that while real women’s history is often uplifting and inspiring, we know that it can also be sad, and potentially unsuitable for young people. Some of the Ladywell women’s stories include abortion, suicide and child murder. Contact email: LadywellWomen@outlook.com Twitter: @LadywellWomen
Ladywell women form new group to campaign against male violence
Ladywell Women, a new group set up to campaign against male violence, organised a vigil at the Jane Clouson memorial in Ladywell and Brockley Cemeteries.
The vigil was organised in response to recent assaults on women in Ladywell and to mark the 150th anniversary of the murder of Jane Clouson.
Jane, a 16 year old servant, was brutally murdered by her employer’s son. Despite the son being found guilty by the coroner, the judge at his Old Bailey trial ruled out crucial evidence and he was let off.
There was outrage across London. Thousands lined the streets for Jane’s funeral and public subscription built the memorial to her.
Liz Johnston-Franklin, Ladywell councillor and one of the founder members of Ladywell Women, welcomed the more than 30 people attending the vigil.
She said: “Little seems to have changed since Jane Clouson was murdered 150 years ago.
“Sadly women are killed every day. Recent research by UN Women UK found that 97 per cent of women they spoke to aged 18-24 had been sexually harassed.
“Street harassment particularly was identified as having a sobering impact on women’s daily lives.
“Stopping gender based violence starts with believing all survivors. We are a diverse community and all women must be treated equally but we know this is not the case. Commitment from women is continuous. We will never give up.”
Ann Brandon spoke about Ladywell Women’s aims to investigate the extent of street violence against women in Ladywell; improve the police response, and work on other measures to improve women’s safety.
Local historian Julie Robinson, talked about how a Deptford woman, Sally Shepherd, is now thought to have been murdered by the Yorkshire Ripper.
Heather Wakefield concluded the vigil with a moving reading of a poem written by local poet Mary MacRae, who is also buried in the cemetery.
All women living in Ladywell ward are warmly invited to join Ladywell Women, which is supported by the Ladywell Society.
The group is planning an online meeting – provisionally for Thursday 3 February 2022 – to draw up plans to tackle male violence on our streets through better policing, improved street safety measures and more local support for women.
LadywellWomen@outlook.com
Twitter account coming soon.