A PIONEER of women's suffrage who worked tirelessly for the people of Farnworth has been honoured 100 years on as part of a commemorative event.

Members of the Farnworth community marched out with their 'Votes for Women' flags as they remembered Mary Elizabeth Barnes who dedicated her life to fighting inequality.

They were joined by descendants of the suffragist who had travelled to the "Farnworth Family Fun Day in the Park" from Bristol and from part way through a holiday in Corsica.

As part of the gathering, a plaque bearing Mary Barnes' name was unveiled in Farnworth Park, and a rendition of 'The March of the Women' was sang to celebrate hope and freedom.

The celebration event on Saturday, May 5 marked 100 years since women over 30 and all men over 21 won the right to vote.

The change in law — encompassed within the Representation of the People Act 1918 — was only partial suffrage but it was the catalyst which led to all women getting the vote in 1928.

Julie Lamara, local studies librarian for Bolton History Centre, said: "Mary Barnes fought for equality and the first step was the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918.

"Mary has been largely forgotten over the years. She gave more than 40 years' service to Farnworth.

"She was a pioneer of her time. She was non-militant and non-party.

"We are hoping that, from all the activities we have on today, that people of all generations will learn about Mary Barnes.

"We do not want her to be forgotten again."

Born in Stalybridge, Mary Barnes made Farnworth her home when she married successful cotton manufacturer Harold Alfred Barnes.

Mary used her position to improve housing, health, education, living and working conditions for the people of Farnworth.

In 1922, she became the first female councillor for the town and was a county magistrate for more than 20 years.

Mary was also an integral part of the Bolton Women's Citizens Association, formerly called the Bolton Suffrage Society, and acted as their presidents from 1924 until her death in 1942.

Yasmin Qureshi MP, who took part in the march, said: "As the first woman to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Bolton South East, I'm delighted at the event that has been organised today to recognise the suffrage movement.

"For women to be without the vote was an injustice that has been righted now.

"Many congratulations to all those who worked hard for us to get this right to vote."

A total of five family members of Mary Barnes, including great-granddaughters Jill Clare and Ruth Rose, great-great-granddaughters Rosie Sisson and Ruth Rose, and great-great-great-granddaughter Maddie Didau, attended the event in Farnworth.

Jill, whose maiden name is Barnes, said: "It is wonderful to here. I'm so proud of what Mary Barnes achieved.

"She was always a very self-effacing woman."

Councillor Jean Gillies, who represents Farnworth ward, said: "This is the vision of Carol Crawley who was able to secure funding for the plaque.

"Mary Barnes was a lady who did not have to work. She was a wealthy woman but she went out there and she did so much to help this community and women generally."

Farnworth resident Carole Crawley said: "Mary Barnes made a massive difference. She worked so hard to secure the vote for women and working class men.

"If we can all do a little bit, we can make where we live a better place.

"I want people to build on what we have done today."

The celebrations on Saturday, May 5 were delivered by Bolton Council and Farnworth community representatives who were successful in securing £34,500 from the Government Equalities Office.

Farnworth is the only town among seven 'Centenary Cities' to be awarded the funding.

Bolton Council leader Linda Thomas said: "What a fantastic occasion and turn out of the people of Farnworth.

"It was a fantastic celebration of the work and life of suffrage campaigner Mary Barnes.

"All of us in public and political office have a debt of gratitude to this local woman who campaigned for the vote.

"If it had not been for our suffragette foremothers, we would not have the opportunities we have today.

"She was a truly inspirational role model for so many women."