Oddfellows Holmesdale Womens Branch 1912

With more than a nod to the Women’s Suffrage movement in the UK, Female Branches (Lodges) were introduced to the Friendly Societies in 1893 as this 1912 poster reveals. P.P.G.M. stands for ‘Past Provincial Grand Master’ which was the post Edward Evenden held until he stood down to take the position of Secretary which would have been less onerous and demanding on his time as his business interests developed.   By 1898, as the number of working women rapidly rose across the country, equal membership status to men was granted.

The mention of The National Insurance Act places this poster between 1911 and 1914.