Together with Newcastle University Centre for Heritage we commemorated five women of the region who inspired great change.
Our five Inspiring Pioneers are Susan Mary Auld, Rachel and Katherine Parsons, Jennie Shearan, Hope Winch and Dorothy Buchanan. You can download an information pack about them here:
The Common Room installed five blue plaques across the five Tyne & Wear local authorities to recognise women's contributions to our region. The installations were supported by Newcastle University, to facilitate research by the Centre for Heritage (APL, HASS), titled ‘Towards more inclusive heritage policies: ‘Blue Plaques’ in Tyne and Wear’. Their research aims to support a regional approach to diversifying commemorative plaques.
21st October 2023
We unveiled this plaque alongside North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE and the Chair of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Pat Oliver, and representatives from HMS Calliope following an earlier engagement at the Trafalgar Day ‘Toast the Admiral’ event in Tynemouth.
We unveiled this plaque alongside North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE and the Chair of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Pat Oliver, and representatives from HMS Calliope following an earlier engagement at the Trafalgar Day ‘Toast the Admiral’ event in Tynemouth.
24th October 2023
We unveiled this plaque, alongside the Mayor of Newcastle, Henrietta Heald, author of Magnificent Women, and Dawn Bonfield MBE ex-president of the Women's Engineering Society.
We unveiled this plaque, alongside the Mayor of Newcastle, Henrietta Heald, author of Magnificent Women, and Dawn Bonfield MBE ex-president of the Women's Engineering Society.
21st November 2023
We unveiled a plaque alongside members of Jennie’s family, including her grandson, Gianfranco Rosolia, who wrote the book ‘Clean Air’ about Jennie’s life and work. Gianfranco also delivered a TED Talk on Jennie and this commemoration. We were also joined by original members of the Hebburn Action Group, with whom Jennie campaigned.
We unveiled a plaque alongside members of Jennie’s family, including her grandson, Gianfranco Rosolia, who wrote the book ‘Clean Air’ about Jennie’s life and work. Gianfranco also delivered a TED Talk on Jennie and this commemoration. We were also joined by original members of the Hebburn Action Group, with whom Jennie campaigned.
30th November 2023
We unveiled this plaque alongside the homeowner of the house in which Hope lived and upon which the plaque was fixed. We were also joined by representatives from Sunderland University and the Hope Winch Society.
We unveiled this plaque alongside the homeowner of the house in which Hope lived and upon which the plaque was fixed. We were also joined by representatives from Sunderland University and the Hope Winch Society.
13th March 2024
For the final installation, we unveiled this plaque alongside members from ICE, with a speech from their regional chair Meshi Taka. The Mayor of Gateshead was also present and gave a speech. We were joined by representatives from Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.
For the final installation, we unveiled this plaque alongside members from ICE, with a speech from their regional chair Meshi Taka. The Mayor of Gateshead was also present and gave a speech. We were joined by representatives from Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.
