Bedford is now another step closer to having its first female statue following a fundraising campaign by the Women of Bedford and Bedford Heights which raised over £600.
To help raise the funds needed to install a bronze statue of Suffragist and Educationalist Amy Walmsley on Bedford’s Embankment, the Women of Bedford joined forces with business centre Bedford Heights to organise a Christmas Raffle, which was launched at Bedford Heights’ Christmas Shopping Event in November.
Raffle prizes were donated by stallholders who took part in the shopping event as well as Wells & Co and Verve, owners of Bedford Heights, with prizes also including Chanel gift sets, Veuve Clicquot champagne, hampers and books from Rogan’s Books.
After the shopping event, Women of Bedford and Bedford Heights hosted an evening cocktail reception to highlight the campaign for Bedford’s first female statue and the importance of ensuring that Bedford has a statue of a woman in recognition of the sacrifices made by Amy Walmsley.
At the event it was announced that Bedford Creative Arts would be supporting the Women of Bedford campaign as part of its wider remit within the town.
Raffle tickets were sold at Bedford Heights and Rogan’s Books throughout December and the raffle was drawn on Friday 20th December. A grand total of £660.08 was raised.
Commenting on the fundraising campaign, Clare Sumner from the Women of Bedford said: “The money raised through the raffle is a fantastic boost for our campaign to install the first female statue in Bedford. Amy Walmsley was a key figure in the Suffragette movement, as well as being Bedford’s first female councillor and a respected Educationalist, and we are thrilled that we are nearing ever closer to a statue of Amy in Bedford.”
Katie Ferola from Verve Properties, who spoke at the evening reception, said: Amy Walmsley represents all of us; no woman is less important than the other. She represents the strength we all have to strive and go forward. Amy fought for our rights to vote and we should never forget this. To be part of this very important fundraiser is an honour and we are very grateful to everyone who supported our Christmas raffle whether by donating prizes or buying tickets, you have all made an important contribution to this significant campaign for Bedford.”
To find out more about the Women of Bedford’s statue campaign and to make a donation, please visit www.womenofbedford.org.uk.
