What Local Groups Do
Local WASPI groups are the beating heart of WASPI. From the beginning they took on the work of raising vital funds to get the campaign going. Significantly, they raise awareness of the campaign and get petitions signed. They fundraise for and arrange transport to national rallies. An important part of their work is to lobby their local MPs and get pledges of support from them.
Group members raise funds by making banners, and craft items to sell, holding car boot sales and quiz nights, raffles, tombolas and tea dances. Additionally, group coordinators and members appear on local TV and radio representing WASPI. They give interviews to local newspapers and TV, and talks to interested groups.
They’ve written and recorded songs, and produced a WASPI play called “STUNG!” and recorded it as a radio play.
Quite simply, WASPI wouldn’t be the Campaign it is today without them.
Devon WASPI
Devon WASPI got involved with a very successful art project organised by Plymouth City Council. The project focussed on “How do we as individuals, as the public, get our voices heard within or against the structures of power that govern our lives and claim to speak for us, the people?”. At that time Devon WASPI was keen to inform local women about the changes to their State Pension age. At the same time the group needed to influence MPs and local politicians to understand the impact of the changes and support the campaign. WASPI and the project seemed a perfect fit.
Group Coordinator Sandra Broadbent said “Finally the project team handed over to us the banner and aprons and we use them at many events. We were keen to use the project to highlight the WASPI issue and consequently wrote a press release which we distributed to local media outlets. We also contacted the BBC and ITV Southwest region and were successful in a lengthy piece on the regional news on the BBC.
Newcastle, Wear and Tees WASPI (NEWTS)
Well-known in their area especially amongst the MPs and local councillors the NEWTS activists are tireless in their work for the Campaign.
Right from the start, Christine Smith has been at the helm and she raises considerable funds for the campaign. She arranges highly successful entertainment events. There’s plenty of support for WASPI women, and venues and entertainers are happy to host the very convivial members. Additionally, NEWTS WASPI women recorded a rallying song to the tune of Blaydon Races to remind us of their Geordie roots.
Solent WASPI
These girls never let an International Women’s Day go by without making a stand in their local area. What’s more, their work over the years has garnered considerable support from MPs in the region with whom they are in regular contact.
And speaking of making a stand, Shelagh Simmons and Sal Robinson from Solent WASPI annually have a two woman protest in Westminster on Budget Day. Here, supportive MPs often drop by. They also regularly give talks and attend conference events on behalf of the Campaign.
North Derbyshire WASPI
North Derbyshire WASPI women wrote and performed a well-received play about WASPI women. It featured the impact on their lives of the lack of notice to the increase to the State Pension age. They’ve subsequently recorded it as a radio play and recorded a song.
You can find them in Chesterfield dressed in their finery for the Medieval Market. Here they raise awareness and funds for the WASPI Campaign.
Meanwhile, all over the country local groups are working hard to make sure we’re not forgotten. They bring home the message that WE’RE NOT GOING AWAY!
