Have your say on equalities in National Democracy Week
Join in a debate about equality during National Democracy Week while taking tea in St Albans Museum + Gallery’s courtroom café.
The Mayor of St Albans and the 9th St Albans (Abbey) Rainbows are among the many museum visitors to have taken part in the ‘EqualiTeas – have your say’ event.
When they met on Tuesday July 3 in the historic courtroom, they chatted about democracy, the right to vote and the role of the Mayor.
EqualiTeas events are being held across the UK to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 1928 Equal Franchise Act, which gave women the same voting rights as men.
It is also one hundred years since some women were granted the right to vote in this country under the Representation of the People Act of 1918.
The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr Rosemary Farmer, said:
We had a great time talking about the meaning of democracy and the importance of using your vote when you are old enough to do so. We also talked about the history and ceremonial duties of the Mayor.
To help encourage debate, discussion cards printed with questions about equality and democracy have been placed on each of the tables located in the courtroom. The cards ask questions like:
- Is there a downside to equality?
- Do we have equality across the UK?
- What can be done to encourage people today to use their hard-won vote?
Visitors are being encouraged to write their responses to the questions on luggage tags tied to the railings in the dock. In addition, people can share their views on social media using the hashtag #EqualiTeas.
In the historic courtroom there is also a display about the Suffragette movement, including information about the lead up to the introduction of 1928 act. Alongside, is a timeline showing when women were given the vote in other countries.
The ‘EqualiTeas – have your say’ is a free event at St Albans Museum + Gallery running until 8 July 2018.
EqualiTeas is just one of the many initiatives being held across the country to celebrate and champion future democratic participation during National Democracy Week.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Rosemary Farmer
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544, Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317, E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
Notes:
National Democracy Week (2-8 July) is being delivered by the National Democracy Week Council members, the Cabinet Office and partners across the country.
Photos:
At the EqualiTeas event in the St Albans Museum + Gallery’s historic courtroom: the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Rosemary Farmer with members of the 9th St Albans (Abbey) Rainbows.