A group of Accrington schoolchildren are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to London after winning a special prize celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering suffragist Lydia Becker, who spent her childhood at Moorside House in Altham, Accrington.
Altham St James’ Primary School has earned a visit to Parliament Square and the Millicent Fawcett statue, where Lydia Becker is honoured, after impressing judges with an outstanding presentation created as part of a commemorative project commissioned by Hyndburn Borough Council.
The project, designed to bring Lydia Becker’s story to life for a new generation, began with interactive workshops delivered at Altham St James, Huncoat Primary School and Mount Pleasant Primary School.
During the first workshop, pupils were introduced to Lydia Becker through the premiere screening of a new Lydia Becker short video, which has been produced by Scott Dawson Advertising, bringing Lydia’s story to life for a new generation.
That was followed by a lively discussion, as well as creative, hands-on activities. Children were encouraged to think about what is fair and unfair in the world today, designing bold placards to share messages that mattered to them.
These ranged from protecting the oceans to calls for being paid to attend school and even shorter school days, demonstrating just how confidently the children embraced their role as young campaigners.
The following week brought an exciting surprise, with goody bags filled with history arriving in classrooms.
Inside were information cards about Lydia Becker and Moorside House, a booklet featuring a letter Lydia wrote at just nine years old, examples of her correspondence with Charles Darwin, and a template inviting pupils to write letters of their own. The children were also given the chance to see a botany book produced by Lydia Becker, first published in 1864, highlighting her scientific achievements alongside her campaigning.
Inspired by Lydia’s words and her love of botany, the children wrote thoughtful and heartfelt letters, addressed to people they care about and even to Lydia herself. One pupil from Altham St James’ wrote to Burnley Football Club Chairman Alan Pace, passionately urging him not to sack manager Scott Parker, showing how confidently the children applied their voices to real-world issues.
Armed with their new knowledge, each school then spent a week creating a presentation showcasing everything they had learned. Kelly-Ann Groves, who now lives at Moorside House, joined representatives from Hyndburn Borough Council and the #AmazingAccrington team to watch the final presentations, which left the audience both impressed and inspired.
Each school brought Lydia Becker’s story to life in its own creative way. Altham St James’ included pupils dressing as Lydia in period costume alongside striking artwork of her botany flowers and Moorside House amongst others, as well as placards, Huncoat Primary wrote and performed a special rap-style song dedicated to Lydia, while Mount Pleasant produced a beautifully crafted book capturing their learning journey.
Kirsten Burnett, Head of Policy and Organisational Development at Hyndburn Borough Council said: “It has been fantastic to see how enthusiastic the children have been throughout the project. Watching their presentations, it was clear just how much they have learned over recent weeks and how deeply Lydia Becker’s story has resonated with them.”
The overall first prize was awarded to Altham St James, earning the pupils their celebratory visit to London. The journey of discovery will continue closer to home too, with children from Altham St James and Huncoat set to visit the Pankhurst Museum in Manchester, where they will learn more about Emmeline Pankhurst, a fellow suffragist who was herself inspired by Lydia Becker.
Meanwhile, students from Mount Pleasant will visit the special Lydia Becker exhibition in the Dome, as well as the Town Hall which will feature a private visit to the Council Chambers.
Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “It has been such a pleasure to present the winning school with their prize of a trip to London. They will have a wonderful time, with either a visit to the Houses of Parliament or the House of Lords also on the itinerary.”
Kelly-Ann Groves, who currently lives at Moorside House, said: “All schools participating in this learning opportunity were fabulous, they showed understanding and portrayed some real enthusiasm considering the time frame and age of the students.
“The winners especially made a real effort to dress up in era-based costumes and the child who played Lydia in their play was actually called Lydia, which the judges thought was a great idea.
“It is especially relevant now, as it was back in 1800’s, to promote women’s rights and equality, there is still a way to go, and these types of learning sessions highlight the importance and continue the progress for future generations of young people to understand what sacrifices have been made historically.”
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising who were commissioned by Hyndburn Borough Council to run the project, said: “This project has been a huge success. We have been overwhelmed by the interest that the children have had, and how advanced they are in their thought process and presentations.
“The schools have really engaged with Lydia Becker’s story, and it has been wonderful to see just how inspired the children have been by her life, her values and her courage. We even spoke to children who had been creating pictures and songs in their own time at home, which was just incredible.”
Mrs Carol Woods, Headteacher of Altham St James’ Church of England Primary School, said: “The workshops have been amazing, and the children are so excited, it’s great for them just to take part, but to be announced as the winners is the icing on the cake.”
There will be a special exhibition about Lydia Becker at the Dome in Accrington town centre which will include the Lydia Becker video, produced by Scott Dawson Advertising. It will be shown at a VIP event on 19th February – five days before Lydia’s birthdate, while the exhibition will be open to the public from 20th February, every Friday and Saturday from 10am-2pm, until 28th March.
You can learn more about Lydia Becker on the Moorside House website: www.moorsidehouse.com/lydia-becker/
