South Lakes Labour are supporting the Make Votes Matter North Lancashire 6-day Equal Votes Walk from Grasmere to Preston, following the route of the 1913 Suffragists’ Great Pilgrimage march for votes for women. The aim of the march is to raise awareness that not all votes matter under the current first past the post electoral system. Introducing proportional representation instead would ensure that all voters’ voices are heard and represented.

The walk will begin in Grasmere, the place to gather will be at Moss Parrock village green, which is opposite the Heaton Cooper studio, on Monday 6th June, 9.30am; the walkers will leave at 10am. (What3Words location: ///soak.jammy.line)

Virginia Branney from our CLP will give a rousing speech to start the marchers on their way to Bowness. The walk will follow the A591 passing through Rydal and Ambleside.

There will be a street stall on the Promenade in Bowness on Monday 6th June from 2pm to 5pm. (What3Words location: ///running.eyelash.schematic)

Walkers will leave Bowness for Kendal at 10.00am on Tuesday 7th June. There will be a street stall from 2pm to 5pm at the Birdcage at the top of Finkle Street in Kendal. (What3Words location: ///powers.universally.bound)

On the 8th June walkers set off for The Promenade at Arnside (What3Words location: ///expensive.templates.reverted).

On the 9th June for Lancaster Market Square (What3Words location: ///falls.herbs.soccer)

On the 10th June for Garstang, the Royal Oak, (What3Words location: ///newlywed.cloud.spooned)

Finishing on the 11th June at Winckley Square in Preston with celebrations. (What3Words location: ///remain.drew.nests)

All are welcome to attend the stalls and cheer the marchers. If you want to take part in the march you will need to register: https://forms.office.com/r/yryMvBwRPc

See the route maps below… if you can’t make one of the departure or arrival points, you may be able to give them a wave as they pass, to cheer them on their way.