Hi everyone, sorry for the radio silence recently. We have been very busy on a number of exciting developments:

1. We have arranged for Sarah Chapman’s name to be entered into the Manor Park Cemetery Book of Remembrance. This will include a summary of her involvement in the Matchgirls Strike and a TUC logo provide by the TUC archives in recognition of her attendance at the 1888 and 1890 TUCs. The entry will go into the book in November this year to coincide with the date of her actual death on 27th November 1945. Sarah’s Grandson (my Dad), Ken Dearman, paid for the entry so big thanks to him!

2. We continue to work towards raising funds for a headstone or Sarah’s grave and, of course, continue to value your support in our ultimate aim of preventing the mounding over of this historically important grave.

3. We have been working with the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives to organise an exhibition all about the Matchgirls, told through the story of Sarah Chapman. See link for more information and do come along if you are able to.

4. We are also working hard to set up a charitable organisation with a view to raising funds for a long overdue permanent memorial/statue to the Matchgirls in the East End – watch this space for more info on that very soon.

5. I have also been busy writing articles and speaking at various events to raise the modern-day profile of the Matchgirls. Interested organisations have been the London Regional Women’s Rights Committee, the Women’s Institute, Local Residents Groups, the Humanist Society, Spitalfields Life, East End Women’s Museum and the National Pensioners Convention.