This is South Devon -- A fir tree was planted by members of UK Youth Parliament for Devon.They gathered from across the South West at Bishops Hull House in memory of the suffragette campaign on votes for women.
Olivia Welsh, 15, a student at Teignmouth Community School represents South Hams and TeignbridgeThe duty for the area is Bethany Bray, 16, who attends Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot.
It is 100 years since suffragette Emily Davidson died while trying to throw a 'Votes for Women' banner over the King's horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913. Members of Youth Parliament are currently working on a Heritage Heroes project celebrating people in the South West who campaigned for change including the Suffragettes and the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
Many suffragettes were imprisoned for their political activism in support of votes for women and demonstrations which included chaining themselves to railings and setting fire to post boxes.
In prison they protested by going on hunger strike and were force-fed.
To recover from the harsh treatment they got in prison many women went to Eagle House near Bath where as part of their recuperation they were encouraged to plant a fir tree in the grounds.
Only one of the original trees still remains at Eagle House.Members of Youth Parliament were helped by Natalie Bennett (Leader of the Green Party), Tessa Munt (MP for Wells) and Councillor Kate Taylor (youngest female councillor). Reported by This is 1 hour ago.