11th September 2024
Hull residents have voiced unanimous support for a statue in memory of the Headscarf Revolutionaries.
A public consultation across the city funded by Hull Maritime shows residents are overwhelmingly in favour of a statue to honour the four Hull women- Lil Bilocca, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Christine Smallbone and Mary Denness. The Headscarf Revolutionaries campaigned successfully for improved safety in the fishing industry in the wake of the 1968 Triple Trawler Tragedy. Their high-profile campaign persuaded the government to introduce vital reforms that saved lives at sea. Their campaign has been celebrated as one of the most iconic examples of activism in the 20th century.
The public consultation was held across various locations in the city, inviting residents to share their views on the desirability of a statue to acknowledge the women, its preferred location, and what form it should take.
Local people voiced their overwhelming support for the statue, with 834 residents wanting to see it happen. Comments included: “I didn’t really understand the importance of this tragedy until later. My mother always spoke with pride about Big Lill, 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: “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.”
Hull people also expressed their preferred location for the statue, with the majority wanting to see it in the city centre. Despite the historic connection to Hessle Rd and St Andrews Dock, most residents felt the city centre would be a more suitable location suggesting either in the Marina area, near the Deep, or in the proposed North Shipyard development alongside the newly renovated Arctic Corsair. 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.
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 also said that seeing the statue become a reality was more important than specifying a specific material. Hull people were unanimous in their opinion that the statue should represent all four women leading the campaign- Lillian Bilocca, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Christine Smallbone, and Mary Denness- and for it to portray them realistically rather than in abstract or conceptual form.
Headscarf Statue Treasurer and founder of Headscarf Pride Ian Cuthbert, 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”.
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”.
The Headscarf Statue Campaign has over the past year and a half raised over £7000 donated by the public. Based on the results of the consultation the Headscarf Statue Committee will be drawing up a more detailed project plan to achieve the objective of securing the statue. The consultation sends a powerful message and mandate that the people of Hull want to see the statue happen.
For further details contact:
Cllr Tracey Hall Henry (Chair- Headscarf Statue Committee) 07565 628089 Councillor.Henry@hullcc.gov.uk
Ian Cuthbert (Treasurer) – 07562 392770 – headscarfpride@yahoo.com
Rupert Creed (Patron) – 07870 879221 rupertcreed89@gmail.com
