Our Chairman Cllr Wilson joined the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and members of the Essex Women’s Commemoration Project of a commemorative plaque to honour Katherine Mina Courtauld.
Katherine 'Mina' Courtauld (1856-1935) was a re-known British farmer and influential suffragist, and a persuasive advocate of agricultural training for women. She co-founded the Women's Farm & Garden Organisation which led to the creation of the Women’s Land Army of WW1 and was secretary for the northwest Essex branch of The National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex at The Courtauld Memorial Hall in Colne Engaine, where Katherine Courtauld lived and farmed for fifty years. At the event Cllr George Courtauld, a current councillor of Braintree District Council, also gave a speech about his ancestor.
Cllr Sue Wilson, Chairman of Braintree District Council, said: “Katherine remains a role model and is most deserving of this recognition, especially during the week of International Women’s Day. I was a privilege to attend on behalf of Braintree District Council and hope that her story will inspire today’s generation, not least women and girls in our district and across the county.”
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “It’s brilliant that we have been able to mark the extraordinary work of a remarkable woman born in our district, one whose achievements led to so many new opportunities for women. A huge thank you to the generosity of residents in Colne Engaine whose donations have made this plaque possible.”
Juliet Townsend, EWCP team member, said: “Katherine Courtauld is an inspiring figure. She employed women on her farm, and she ensured that they were trained and enabled to develop their skills. She remains a role model, standing up for herself and those around her with the grit and sassiness that defines the people of Essex.”
The Essex Women’s Commemoration Project (EWCP) was launched last year to celebrate the lives of women in Essex whose historic achievements deserve to be more widely recognised. The objectives support the work of the Essex Women’s Advisory Group, a charitable fund administered by the Essex Community Foundation.
During this year to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, EWCP is working with several places across Essex, aiming to see plaques erected to celebrate the historic achievements of a number of other women whose legacies are inspiring today.