‘They should never be forgotten’: Residents back plans for statue of Headscarf Revolutionaries
ICONIC CAMPAIGN: Women march in demand of safety improvements in the fishing industry
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Plans for a statue in memory of Hull’s Headscarf Revolutionaries have been decisively backed in a public consultation.
A survey funded by Hull Maritime found an overwhelming majority in favour of a statue to honour the four women who led a successful campaign to improve safety in the fishing industry – Lil Bilocca, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Christine Smallbone and Mary Denness.
Sparked by the Triple Trawler Tragedy of 1968, the women persuaded the government to introduce vital reforms that saved lives at sea. Their high-profile campaign is now regarded as one of the most iconic examples of activism in the 20th century.
After an initial online survey found positive support for a statue – gaining 500 responses within a week – a more detailed consultation was held at locations across the city, asking questions including what form the statue should take and its preferred location.
Despite the connections to Hessle Road and St Andrew’s Dock, most respondents favoured the city centre for its location, suggesting sites close to the marina, The Deep, or at North End Shipyard, the new home of former trawler Arctic Corsair as part of the Hull Maritime project.
Their reasons ranged from a desire for it to be central, prominent and an inspiration for future generations of women, for it to be a cultural draw for visitors, and for it to be part of a possible city centre maritime heritage trail.
A total of 834 residents wanted to see the statue happen.
Comments on the women’s legacy included: “I didn’t really understand the importance of this tragedy until later. My mother always spoke with pride about Big Lil, so I grew up with respect for their motivation.”
Another said: “It was life-changing and evidence of people power. I am very proud to be from the same city.”
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The Headscarf Revolutionaries fought tirelessly to improve safety measures at sea following the Triple Trawler Tragedy, never giving up on their campaign for tougher laws in what was one of the world’s most dangerous industries.
“The Hull Maritime Community Grant scheme has supported the Headscarf Revolutionary Statue Committee and to learn more about the level of appetite and location for a permanent statue, celebrating their lives and achievements.
“It is really pleasing to see the public backing the calls for a statue to commemorate these four remarkable women.”
The consultation was organised and led by Headscarf Statue Committee chair Tracey Hall Henry.
She said: “I was overwhelmed with the level of support for a statue to these inspirational women. People, businesses, charities and pubs engaged with the consultation across different communities in the city.
“What these ladies did was revolutionary. They changed and saved lives by challenging the powers that be of that time. Their story is still generating attention today and though passed into history, these women should never be forgotten.”
DELIGHTED: A meeting of the Headscarf Statue Committee after the results of the survey
Residents also expressed views on the form and composition of the statue. A majority were in favour of it being cast in bronze, but many said seeing the statue become a reality was more important than specifying a specific material.
Respondents were unanimous in their opinion that the statue should represent all four women who led the campaign, and for it to portray them realistically rather than in abstract or conceptual form.
Ian Cuthbert, Headscarf Statue treasurer and founder of Headscarf Pride, said: “I always wanted to see a statue of the four women, and with the committee we will make it a reality. We have hosted several fundraising events already with many more to come.
“The overwhelming support for the statue from the consultation and the people I speak to every day continues to drive me on until I see it completed. The Headscarf Revolutionaries more than deserve this honour, they are true legends of this city, and they will never be forgotten.”
More than £7,000 has been donated by the public to the statue campaign in the last 18 months. A more detailed project plan will now be drawn up.
Headscarf Statue patron Rupert Creed said: “The many personal, passionate and emotional responses to the consultation indicate a strong sense of community engagement with the Headscarf Revolutionaries and what their achievement symbolises for local residents. This leads us to believe that the statue has significant value and meaning as a genuine cultural asset for the city.”
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