A VISITOR who was to later take her place in history visited Cumnock in 1907.

Emmeline Pankhurst’s appearance was for a public meeting under the auspices of her membership of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU).

While she was not affiliated to any political party, the event had been organised by the local branch of the Independent Labour Party and their successors got together last week.

Councillor Neil McGhee joined members of the current Labour Party at Mauchline’s Centre Stane Community Centre for a discussion on the 100 year celebrations of votes for women.

Cumnock Chronicle:

EMILY PANKHURST: The Chronicle in May 1907

It was an informal affair and many of those in attendance had brought memorabilia connected with the suffragette movement in Ayrshire.

Chairwoman Carol Mochan said: “Ayrshire saw its share of direct action with a plot to blow up Burns Cottage and a bomb explosion at Ayr racecourse.

“Last week’s discussions focused on the visit of Emmiline Pankhurst.

“Many women, and even some men, attended this public meeting in 1907, which was reported in the Cumnock Chronicle.

“The Chronicle indicated it was quite a successful meeting, with Mrs Pankhurst ‘thoroughly pleased with the reception she had at the hands of the people of Cumnock’.

“February 16, 1918, marked a step forward for women’s equality “However the number of women able to vote was limited as the act of parliament.

“The Representation of the People’s Act 1918 restricted the vote to women over 30 with property.

“It was another ten years before women could vote on the same terms as men.”