Quizzers get it right for Ada campaign

General knowledge buffs helped raise cash and awareness of a fundraising drive to honour a women’s rights campaigner with a statue in Crewe.

They gathered at the Duke of Gloucester pub in Crewe to answer questions on the history of Crewe, women in sport, notable Cheshire women and Ada Nield Chew herself.

In the 1890s, Ada working as a tailor wrote under the pseudonym Crewe Factory Girl to the Crewe Chronicle exposing conditions at work.

She went on not only to campaign for the fair treatment of her female colleagues but joined the fight for women’s suffrage.

Now the aim is to raise £100,000 to commission Ada’s statue, as a lasting tribute to her courage, voice and legacy – in line with statues commemorating brave women throughout history in other parts of the country.

All manner of local exhibitions, talks and events have told the story of Ada over the past three years.

So far organisers with the Cheshire Women’s Collaboration have raised £4,000.

Spokeswoman Kate Blakemore said: “Every event we stage puts more money in the pot and helps spread the word about our mission. We are grateful for every penny.

“We are very hopeful that once we have hit target, we will find a great home for Ada in Crewe town centre.

“One spot identified is in front of the new Cheshire Archives Centre which would be perfect.”

Organisers are hoping to have that confirmed soon.

The quiz raised £200 and other events are being planned.

These include regular walks following in the footsteps of Ada.

They take in the blue plaque and plinth honouring Ada on Bridle Road where Compton’s Clothing Factory once stood.

On September 22^nd, there will be a fun race night at St Andrew’s Church, Bedford Street, Crewe. Tickets £10.

For more information on upcoming events and how to book, follow Statue for Ada on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/statueforada/

Meanwhile the life and times of Ada are featured in a free exhibition in Crewe Market Centre.