Edith and Ellen Beck

What does the Women’s Hall mean to you? Perhaps the Billingshurst Dramatic Society? Children’s parties? Or like me, Brownies?

Whatever your relationship with the Women’s Hall I am sure that you, like me, have the photographs of two formidable-looking Edwardian women displayed in the Hall, Edith and Ellen Beck, etched in your memory. However, their conservative attire belies their radical beliefs, and, more importantly, their deeds…

Born in the mid-19th century, Ellen (b.1845) and Edith (b.1847) came from a family of Quakers, whose belief in equality brought them into the circles of some of the most influential reformers of the age, including those calling for votes for female emancipation. By 1903 the women’s movement split when the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) called for militant action, in response to the government’s failure to enact voting reform. The Misses Beck firmly pinned their colours to the banner of Mrs Pankhurst’s Suffragettes, believing that only radical action would secure the vote.

By the time the Suffragette campaign was in full-swing the Beck sisters were in their 60s. The notorious police

Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community Centre

First Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm

Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 7.30pm

Dr Anna Gosling talks hoarding...

Come and join us for a fascinating talk on a subject that affects lots of people both directly and indirectly.

Hoarding has come to the public’s awareness through a series of TV programmes.

Dr Anna Gosling is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist working both for the NHS and in her own private practice.

She will talk a little about her journey ‘into hoarding’, about what hoarding is and introduce a few simple tips to help with hoarding issues.

Free to members of the Billingshurst Beck WI or visitors £4 including refreshments. Contact us billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk brutality of November’s ‘Black Friday’ in 1910 saw Edith’s arrest outside Parliament with their friend, Katherine ‘Kitty’ Marshall, cementing their commitment to militancy, and although this was the only time one of the sisters ended up in custody, their run-ins with the law continued. As important landowners in the village, residing at Duncan’s Farm, the Misses Beck refused to pay taxes in 1911 and went on the run on census night. Following 1913’s ‘Cat and Mouse’ Act, their home provided refuge for at least one Suffragette.

The WI provides women with fun and friendship, plus the chance to learn new skills, get involved within the community and take part in a wide range of activities.

The Becks probably suspended their action during WWI, and they would certainly have been among the minority of wealthy women who were given the vote in 1918. However, their commitment to the rights and welfare of women continued after the war, providing support for women’s hospitals and education as well as the Women’s Hall and Mother’s Garden. Their Quaker upbringing certainly informed their resolve, but also probably helps explain why their commitment to the cause went beyond political agitation, to improving the lives of local women and children.

Citizens Advice Outreach in the Horsham District

Citizens Advice now offers outreach advice throughout Horsham District, including in Pulborough, Storrington, Billinghurst, Henfield and Steyning. We can help if you’re worried about a problem including the cost of living, benefits, debt, housing, employment, family relationships and much more. We offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice. We can help you work out whether you are entitled to any extra financial support. We can help with emergency support for essential costs such as food and heating. Come and talk to us at your local Outreach, where drop-ins and appointments are available. Centres nearest to you are at:

Pulborough Medical Centre

Alternate Tuesdays 10 till 12

(February dates 14th and 28th)

Billingshurst Library

Alternate Fridays 10 till 12

February dates 3rd and 17th)

Other centres listed on website. For more information: (01273) 944460 advicewestsussex.org.uk/ horsham-outreach-drop-ins to help unpaid carers this winter

Billingshurst Schedule February

Godalming Operatic Society present The Pirates of Penzance – last few tickets! Join us for a matinee performance on Saturday 18th February departing