Roots of Resistance: A walk through history with forgotten feminist Rosa Grindon

Birch Community Centre, Brighton Grove, Manchester M14 5JT

‘Roots of Resistance’ explores the connection between feminism, public green spaces, and the role of plants in shaping memory and identity.

It centres on the legacy of Rosa Grindon—a suffragist, botanist, and Shakespearean lecturer—and uses her story as a lens to reflect on women’s lives are remembered .

Rosa Grindon, initiated the first version of the Shakespeare Garden, which was established in Whitworth Park in 1916. Rosa engaged in radical social and cultural work, which included campaigning for women’s suffrage; active involvement in various learned societies and clubs; helping working-class people to establish small gardens to improve their lives; drawing attention to the issues such as clean air and fair treatment of domestic servants; as well as popularising grassroots involvement with Shakespeare.

The event combines a guided historical walk with a hands-on creative workshop.

The walk will take place in the Shakespearean Garden at Platt Fields Park, created by Rosa Grindon.

There, the participants will learn about Rosa’s life through a talk by Dr Monika Smialkowska of Northumbria University, and enjoy a tour of the garden led by Kattie Kincaid, the garden’s lead volunteer.

The workshop will be held indoors at a nearby community centre (Birch Community Centre). Using a mixed-media approach that includes sensory mapping and creative writing, artist Chiara Dellerba will guide participants through a meaningful encounter with plants that have shaped our identities, sensory memories, and daily habits. Participants will also collaboratively create a fire cider vinegar.

Event Timings:

10:00am: Arrival & Check in

10:30am : Walking tour & Talk with Dr Monika Smialkowska

12: 00pm : Creative Workshop – Lunch Provided

2:00pm : Event Ends

The walk is step free – please let the organisers know when booking if you need access support eg. sound amplification

Organisers:

The Sylvia Pankhurst Gender and Identity Knowledge Network, an interdisciplinary centre for critically engaged feminist research.