Sorry it’s been a while since the last update but that is not to say we haven’t been busy:

1.      The HEADLINE NEWS is that Unite the Union, London and Eastern Region, has given us a generous donation that will pay for a headstone for Sarah’s grave. This is clearly fantastic news and I hope you will join me in thanking Peter Kavanagh, Regional Secretary, and the Finance and General Purpose Committee for their decision to make this happen;

2.      Unfortunately, the threat of mounding Sarah’s grave remains. To give you an idea of what this means, the attached photographs show an area allowed to become overgrown (it has headstones in it believe it or not) where mounding has recently taken place. All physical traces of original graves are removed. This area is close to Sarah’s grave;

DO PLEASE KEEP SHARING AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO SIGN THIS PETITION;

3.      The other BIG NEWS is that we now have a charitable company, THE MATCHGIRLS MEMORIAL, the main aims of which are:

• To get a public statue in London to honour the Matchgirls
• To share information about the Matchgirls’ contribution to the advancement of equality and workers’ rights

4.      We are very proud to say Diana Holland, Assistant General Secretary of Unite is THE MATCHGIRLS MEMORIAL Patron and we are also very pleased to say we have the support of the TUC LESE led by Regional Secretary Sam Gurney, Mayor John Biggs and the Tower Hamlets Council, and the TUC LESE Women’s Committee;

5.      HOT OFF THE PRESS this morning we had a letter from HMRC to state they recognise THE MATCHGIRLS MEMORIAL as a charity for tax purposes. This means we are now eligible to claim gift aid;

6.      The Matchgirls exhibition at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives during March was so popular, they extended for the whole of April;

7.      As you know I am the Great Grandaughter of Sarah Chapman and I am trying to rally other descendants to share their stories, if you know a descendant of anyone connected to the 1888 Strike, or even anyone connected to the Bryant & May factory in Bow until its closure in 1979, please do let me know;

8.      To find out more or get involved in any of our projects, contact us on matchgirls1888statue@gmail.com or find us on social media:

Twitter: @TheMatchgirls

Facebook: The Matchgirls Memorial              

Instagram: @matchgirls1888statue

Best wishes,

Sam