New plaque to Nan Green

Pauline Fraser reports from the unveiling in Beeston, Nottinghamshire…

A good fifty people braved the cold to gather outside Nan Green’s birthplace, on Sunday 9 February, for the dedication of a plaque to this former Secretary of the International Brigade Association, volunteer in the Spanish Civil War and peace activist.

Flowers in the colours of the Spanish Republic underneath the new plaque. Photo: Pauline Fraser.

Marlene Sidaway, IBMT President, laid flowers by the plaque, which is attached to the fence in front of Surrey Cottage, 12 Glebe Street, Beeston, while Tamar Feast of Beeston & District Civic Society gave a warm tribute to the work Nan undertook in Spain and accompanying refugees to Mexico. Tamar has campaigned for more Lady Plaques and Nan Green’s is the second in the series. They have a biography of Nan on their website.

Pauline Fraser and Marlene Sidaway in Beeston.

Tamar introduced Sue Paterson, Labour Mayor of Broxtowe Borough Council, who welcomed the initiative to get more plaques to women. Sue was accompanied by Robert Bullock, Deputy Mayor.

Tamar Feast (left) of Beeston Civic Society and Beeston Mayor Sue Paterson. Photo: Pete Fraser.

Five of Nan Green’s grandchildren travelled to Beeston to honour their grandmother, joining members of Beeston Civic Society and Nottingham Local History Society, local Broxtowe councillors and IBMT members and supporters.

Grandchildren of Nan Green: (from left) Crispin Green, Barnaby Green, Katie Green, Polly Green, Emma Brouard. Photo: Pauline Fraser.

Notts TV reporter Kateryna Sabadash covered the event. Her report was broadcast on Monday 10 February. Watch from 37:17.

The full address for those wishing to visit the plaque is Surrey Cottage, 12 Glebe Street/Elm Avenue corner, Beeston, Notts, NG9 1BZ. The plaque has been added to the Trust's directory and map of memorials.

The crowd gathers for the unveiling.